Coultergeist (kōl'tərgīst): (n.) A rabidly right-wing ghost that manifests itself by noises, rappings, and the creation of disorder.

Dear Abby:
We have a daughter with a problem. At home and in public, we experience the following: strange outbursts; failure to acknowledge wrongdoing; verbal hurtfulness to others; defiance and inability to take corrective criticism. We've even uncovered some very disturbing writing of hers that just drips with hateful venom towards anyone outside of her narrow, clannish world-view. When focused on doing something she wants to do, right or wrong, she continues to do so in the midst of being corrected. The list goes on. Any suggestions?
Sincerely,
Concerned Mom Considering Exorcism

Dear Concerned (And Rightly So):
You've painted a picture of Jerry Falwell with better legs! But seriously, the characteristics you're describing sound as if she has a fairly severe problem. It may help you to determine how serious your daughter's problem is by thinking back to her earlier childhood. If she was much more positive and had significantly fewer problems in her early years, there's a good chance she has an extreme case of sibling rivalry or inferiority complex. I typically describe that as dethronement. Dethronement usually occurs when a child has been the center of attention, seemingly bright and verbal, and has been overempowered by adults. When a child has been attention addicted, and then feels attention deprived, she often appears to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or is simply very attention-seeking.

Obviously I can't diagnose your daughter from a letter, so I'll make a few suggestions that may improve her behavior. Simply ignore her hateful outbursts. Manipulative tantrums are tricky as she tries to get what she wants by hook or crook. Do not indulge her when she throws tantrums or explodes in hateful outbursts. Stand a few feet away from her and make it clear that you will listen to her, only when she calms down and expresses herself appropriately. You need to help her learn that bad or undesirable behaviors will not get things done for her. A spanking may not be out of the question. If you don't see much improvement, I'd suggest you go to a psychologist for help.