Patan brothers stabbing incident shocks visitors at historic site

How does impulse lead to violent incidents?

A fatal stabbing near Patan Krishna Temple has drawn attention to a difficult question. How can a brief moment of anger turn into a deadly act?

Mental health experts say such incidents are often linked to sudden and intense emotional reactions. Psychiatrist Saguna Ballabh Pant explains that anger itself is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can weaken a person’s ability to think clearly and assess consequences.

At the centre of this process is the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate decision-making and self-control. When emotions such as anger or frustration surge, this part of the brain becomes less effective. As a result, a person may act impulsively without fully understanding the risks or long-term impact.

According to psychiatrist Rishabh Koirala, individuals respond to conflict in different ways. Some people are more prone to anger and aggression, even in minor disagreements. In such cases, personality traits can play a significant role in how situations escalate.

Experts say impulse-driven violence is not always linked to mental illness. Many incidents involve individuals who do not have diagnosed psychological conditions. Instead, a mix of emotional triggers, personal temperament, and situational stress can lead to sudden loss of control.

In some cases, factors such as substance use, past trauma, or ongoing stress may further reduce a person’s ability to manage emotions. When provoked or challenged, certain individuals may react more intensely, sometimes with serious consequences.

Psychiatrists also point to conditions related to impulse control, where individuals struggle to regulate their actions in moments of heightened emotion. These cases may require professional support and long-term management.

Specialists say recognising emotional triggers, practising anger management, and seeking counselling when needed can help reduce the risk of such incidents. Early intervention, they add, can prevent conflicts from escalating into violence.

The incident in Lalitpur has highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness around emotional regulation and conflict resolution, particularly in everyday social interactions.