7 Healthcast: Shy boys

Now research out of Indiana University may provide a clue. A study of eight high school shooters suggests such perpetrators are more likely to suffer from an extreme form of shyness, dubbed cynical shyness that affects mostly males and can lead to violent behavior.

"The problem is that there are thousands of young men out there who would present this same picture," said psychiatrist Dr. Redford Williams.

While most wouldn't end up on a shooting spree, doctors are studying another possible risk factor, a genetic link that predisposes some males to aggressive behavior.

"These are the guys that turn out to be far and away the more violent, the more likely to be violent offenders," Dr. Williams said.

But like cynical shyness, a gene alone doesn't make a killer. The latest research suggests environment, specifically abuse during childhood, may pull the trigger.

"When you put these two together you get a toxic combination that could lead to the most extreme expression of this violent sort of behavior," Dr. Williams said.

Important clues that experts say can help shape strategies to help prevent such extreme violence.

Researchers stress that its important for parents and teachers to be on the lookout for youngsters who's shyness is a source of anger and hostility so that they can get help early and prevent future problems.

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