Category: Mental Illness

Psychosomatic Illnesses And The Serial Killers They Create

By dissecting the factors and similarities found in the psychological illnesses of the most dangerous serial killers of our time, this essay will assert that all serial killers are in some way the same when it comes to the cognitive processes of the brain. Using our discernment of crime causation and the intertwining crime theories related to mass murder will better our understanding of how and why serial killers are created. The most prominent theories we will be looking at are Rational Choice theory, Strain theory, Social learning theory and Biological Determinism theory.

According to Allely C, Minnis H et al. (2014), a murderer is someone who kills another with “malice aforethought”, however, premeditation isn’t a requirement. A mass murder is someone who kills multiple people all within a short period of time, which distinguishes them from serial killers, who murder multiple people over a long period of time. Traditionally, to be a noted as a serial killer one must have killed three or more people. Although the three types of murderers listed all have similar traits, their dissimilar intentions differentiate their personalities as a whole.

Rational Choice Theory occurs on the premise that the possible advantages of committing a specific act or crime outweigh the possible disadvantages in relation to the offender (Cornish D et al. 1987). Once the perpetrator has made a decision based on greater pleasure gained than pain, it is to them the most ‘Rational’ decision to go through with the crime, whether it be gaining money to help feed themselves and their family, committing a crime that would result in them feeling a proud sense of vengefulness or murdering someone who has done them wrong . This way of thinking is prevalent in the majority of people when it comes to day-to-day events, important life choices or even business decisions. However, these extreme acts of violence and criminal activity stem from a much larger spectrum of behaviour that the average person is exposed to and many different factors affect the thought process of a person relating to committing a crime (Allely C et al. 2014).

Mullen P (2000) associates the presence of a mental disorder to influence the likelihood of an individual to commit murder. This article dissects the shrinking number of such crimes related to the large variety of mental disorders, as well as the resulting political cover generated by the public. Mullen P (2000, pp.575) says that the “community expects mental health professionals to minimise the risks they face from mentally disordered people” which separate the two factions, and in turn leads to a more inclusive imbalance . The divide between the two groups supports his statement, for which he asserts “The perpetrators of massacres are predominantly awkward, obsessive individuals who are overwhelmed by resentment at their own powerlessness” Mullen P (2000, pp.575), and displays the effect that a disagreement across different groups can have. This study presents a in-depth understanding of the perpetrator and their subjects, as well as explains how the two as a unity couldn’t acquaint to the other. Rational Choice theory ties in with the cognitive influences a person experiences due to various mental illnesses, but also links closely to Biological Determinism Theory.

A person’s biology, genetics and mental illnesses can substantially affect the possibility of that person committing a crime, and in some cases, increase the chances of re-offending. Biological Determinism Theory suggests that the genetic identity of a person is what represents them as a potential criminal. According to a study done by Bowles J (2000), serial killers have become so frequent that laws are being created that require youths who display excessive harm to animals to undergo ‘preventative psychiatric counselling’, as showing cruelty towards animals is an early trait of many children who end up as serial killers. Mental illnesses can affect a person’s reward system in that they might misinterpret the levels of pleasure versus pain from a specific crime. For example, Kocsis R (2008) explains serial killers tend to lose all interest in their victims after they are deceased, so they are more likely to extend the period in which the inflict harm to their subjects, simulating horrendous acts of torture to elongate their pleasure. Different mental illnesses and diseases to the brain result in different acts of violence enticed by different reasons for which the crime was committed, serial murder usually falls under short-lived pleasure due to an onset childhood illness or a brain injury sometimes shown through odd and gruesome acts to animals.

Serial killers tend to encapsulate homogeneous traits when closely examined, which in turn allows for a better understanding of the origins of psychopathy in a person. In a study done by Söderström, A. H. (2005), it was discovered that the most frequent juvenile-onset neuropsychiatric disorders in violent offenders were various forms of disruptive behavioural disorders, such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and conduct disorder. However, a considerable minority of these offenders were known to have Tic disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder and mental retardation/learning disabilities. Aside from the wide variety of ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders), a study done by Stone (2009) noticed a connection between serial killers and head injuries, going as far as suggesting that for every four perpetrators, one has suffered a head injury or a severe condition affecting the brain — such as Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) (Angrilli A et al. 2013) — throughout their early childhood.

Strain Theory operates on the basis that many people have similar aspirations and goals, but dissimilar resources and opportunities, which in turn may cause individuals to commit unethical ways — mostly crimes — of achieving said aspirations. Eriksson L et al. (2013) explores the assorted experiences both men and women feel prior to murdering an intimate partner, and explains how the tend to undergo different feelings and emotions. Accounts of men killing their intimate partner are accompanied by reports of the man ‘losing control, suspecting infidelity, involuntary separation, jealousy and rage’. This differs greatly from what women report, which are almost always ‘feelings of fear and desperation from exposure to domestic violence in social isolation’ (Daly, M. et al. 1988). Men and women who experience strain do so for very different reasons and the reaction to said experiences usually classes a person as a survivor or a murderer.

Emotions of a negative nature, accompanied by feelings of neglect and powerlessness are a primary source when it comes to the relationship between strain and criminal behaviour such as the murder of an intimate partner (Agnew, R. 1992). Research done by (Piquero et al. 2004) shows a stronger connection between anger and interpersonal aggression than burglary, larceny, arson etc. This shines a light on crime as being an unlawful method of dealing with difficult experiences of strain and unwelcome emotions, which would allow the victim of these negative emotions to flee or decrease the level of strain (Kerr K et al. 2015). In the eyes of the offender, crime is a coping mechanism used to release strain and stress against the individual from whom the strain originated (Agnew, R. 1992). Rational Choice, Strain and Biological Determinism theories play themselves into most of all the cases of murder and serial homicide, but some theories are more important than others. General Strain Theory accounts for most interpersonal murders (Piquero et al. 2000), however, cases like these don’t resume with the perpetrators reoffending due to the nature of the crime. It is inevitable that the majority of individuals will be exposed to some sort of strain and unwanted emotions at some point or another, nonetheless, only a very substantial minority end up turning to crime. Rational Choice and Biological Determinism play a larger role than General Strain Theory in that an individual who doesn’t suffer from a childhood-onset mental illness and has grown accustom to social norms is much less likely to react to negative emotions criminally (Agnew, R. 2001). Rational Choice theory suggests the assumption that a perpetrator responds selectively to specific crimes — in their relation to their costs, benefits and opportunities — and whether or not to supplant their attention (Cornish D 1987).

Although General Strain Theory may account for a large number of crimes between partners, the offenders are less likely to reoffend, whereas those under the influence of a distorted Rational Choice Theory will reoffend for as long as the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Biological Determinism Theory can sometimes be the causing factor for Rational Choice to even be an option for criminal behaviour. Taking actions towards the overall prevention of biological determinism at a young age that would further lead to the creation of a serial killer would be most beneficial in that stopping a problem from its origins is better than undergoing damage control. In a study examined by Kerr K (2015) onset childhood emotional loneliness was present in six cases of sexual homicide. Mental Illnesses and brain injuries that stem from a young age aren’t the only causes of biological determinism, but also social isolation, as it can be perceived as a form of psychological suffering that can become premise for violent behaviour in the future (Marshall, W. L. 1989). This ties Biological Determinism and Social Learning Theory together as an intertwining factor that causes more problems for an individual to cope with, whether it be criminally or non-criminally. When explored, both General Strain Theory and Rational Choice Theory seem to have an underlying case of Biological Determinism and Social Learning Theory which acts as the root cause of the perpetrators immoral and violent behaviour. The lack of attention to a child’s mental illness can affect their capability to function properly as a grownup and by leaving unattended problems prevalent in the individual’s life, their only permeable solution might be to use criminal activity as a coping mechanism whether to simulate attention and proper consequential response from a higher authority.

In conclusion, children who have shown obvious traits of an early psychopath should be admitted into a facility where they are consistently monitored and where they attend compulsory counselling so that the early onset issues can be resolved with proper measures. This will ensure a lower risk for a troubled and young individual burdened with a mental illness to become murders and serial killers. Teaching them the correct way to cope with negative emotions will help them immensely in their life time and may — as a result of psychological and neuropsychiatric treatment — save countless lives. As stated by Bowles J (2000), individuals who have shown traits of a future psychopath and are forced — by law — to undergo psychological treatment are less likely to commit crimes in the future as they are taught the correct ways of coping with negative emotions and unwanted stress. Rational Choice theory, Strain theory, Social Learning theory and Biological Determinism theory all play a part in the making of a murderer and a serial killer, but taking into consideration that Biological Determinism plays the biggest part and finding more ways to prevent individuals to reacting negatively would highly benefit those who are the victims of mental illnesses, as it would benefit those around them as well.

The Correlation Of Serial Killers And Mental Illness

Introduction to Serial Killers and Mental Illness

Throughout the years, mental illness and the crimes, more specifically the methodology, of serial killers have often gone hand in hand with one another. There are various speculations that the people who do have a mental illness, such as schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder, are more prone to committing moral atrocities. While this could be true in some cases, like with the Son of Sam, who was a serial killer in the late 70’s and was responsible for the deaths of multiple women, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was convinced that his dog was persuading him to kill women, and that demons were shouting profanities at him. Like the Son of Sam, another current case can be linked to his. A twenty-year-old named Cosmo DiNardo, claimed he saw visions of killing people, and like his predecessor, he brutally killed six individuals in a short span of under five years. Another infamous man who embodied another stereotype of mental illness, more specifically antisocial personality disorder, was Ted Bundy, who was yet another serial killer in the 1970’s, who manipulated and murdered young women. While some accusations of people may be true, there are millions of people who walk around every day with schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder, and they never think about killing people, nor would they ever want to.

Understanding Schizophrenia in Serial Killers

Schizophrenia is labelled as a “chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling” (NIH, 2019). Besides Antisocial Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia seems to be one of the top diagnoses when evaluating a serial killer’s cognitive processes. This seems to be the case because when a psychologist sits down to speak with the murderer, a lot of them claim that they heard “voices”, such as angels, The Devil himself, animals, or regular disembodied figures telling them to do it. However, before someone really knows how to diagnose a serial killer with Schizophrenia, they must know the symptoms and how to tell it apart from other disorders. A lot of people also get confused or they misinterpret the symptoms when it comes to the differentiation between Schizophrenia and another mental illness known as DID, or Dissociate Identity Disorder, which is also more commonly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. “Many people get Schizophrenia and Personality Disorder confused, especially since movies and television shows tend to use the terms interchangeably. Schizophrenia is what is considered a “thought disorder”, which means that disturbances in the thought process drive the illness” (Frese, 2009, P. 1).

DID on the other hand, is much more uncommon than Schizophrenia, and instead of it being a “thought disorder”, it’s an “identity disorder”. In some cases, a lot of people with DID, have memory loss and they can barely remember when their personality changes, and or flips. When looking at Schizophrenia, one also needs to understand the symptoms that are tied to this illness. There are positive and negative symptoms with Schizophrenia. Positive symptoms of Schizophrenia are the presence of appropriate behaviors such as “agitated behavior, hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and nonsensical speech” (NIH, 2019). Negative symptoms, on the other side of the coin, are the presence of inappropriate behaviors; so basically the opposite of positive symptoms. These inappropriate behaviors include, “flat, emotionless voices, blank faces, rigid, motionless bodies, and mutism” (NIH, 2019). With some cases too, Schizophrenia also leads to episodes of psychosis. “Psychosis has been generally considered to be a severe break in reality that may result in psychopathic behavior” (Anderson, 1999, P. 39). In relation to Schizophrenia, psychosis or psychotic disorders include one or more of the following symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and catatonic behavior with brief or continuous episodes. It is said that due to him having Schizophrenia, David Berkowitz, or “The Son of Sam”, suffered from a psychotic break, and that is what lead him to go on his killing spree.

Case Studies: The Son of Sam and Cosmo DiNardo

Two individuals, one from the past, and the other one from the present, whose stories are linked, are, as mentioned above, “The Son of Sam”, and another young serial killer who emerged in 2017, twenty-year-old, Cosmo DiNardo. Cosmo DiNardo was responsible for the brutal murder of four young men in Pennsylvania, he tried to burn their bodies in a pig roaster after he committed the rather vicious crime. Even before the killings, Cosmo displayed erratic and dangerous behaviors; especially to his loved ones and friends. “A Bucks County prosecutor said Mr. DiNardo was once diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Members of his family and a lawyer representing Mr. DiNardo declined requests for more information about his mental health. One longtime friend said Mr. DiNardo twice spent time in a mental institution” (Gabriel, Haag, Hurdle, 2017, P. 3). Cosmo DiNardo talked about wanting to murder and harm other human beings since the young age of 14. “He often bragged to friends about seeing people killed, and in a social media post, he posed, bare-chested and crazy eyed, aiming a revolver” (Gabriel, Haag, Hurdle, 2017, P. 1). DiNardo, like the Son of Sam, had one of the biggest and or one of the most common identifiers, especially to other people, of Schizophrenia, hallucinations. In contrast with David Berkowitz’s story, DiNardo had visions of murdering other people and he proclaimed these to other people, as if he were getting a sign from God that he should be carrying out these atrocious acts. Like many other serial killers, many psychologists try to find logical reasoning as to why these haunted individuals murder innocents in cold blood. In a lot of documentaries about serial killers, criminologists like to make the argument that the killer had to have had something bad happen in their childhood in order for them to want to carry out terrible acts upon other people. However, when one truly thinks about it, this argument can be considered as faulty.

A lot of regular, everyday people have had terrible things occur when they were children, and they grew up to be fully functioning adults with no desire to harm others. If head injury or some other kind of trauma really was the cause of serial killers and their different methodologies, then hundreds of millions of serial killers would be roaming around the world wreaking havoc. “The consensus remains among experts that an unhappy childhood is not probable cause to commit murder and does not justify causation despite the infliction of abuse, genetic abnormalities, or brain trauma that one has suffered” (Anderson, 1999, P. 35). The article on DiNardo states that after an “ATV accident last year, DiNardo’s mood became especially dark. He was stranded for hours suffering from broken bones, until his father and younger brother found him. Some friends said he suffered a serious head injury” (Gabriel, Haag, Hurdle, 2017, P. 3). Sure, this accident could’ve caused DiNardo’s brain chemistry to flip, however in the article, there have been multiple reports that DiNardo has had multiple murderous fantasies since he was in the early stages of adolescence. His accident only happened when he was nineteen. Therefore, there really is only a miniscule correlation between DiNardo’s head injury, and his underlying mental illness.

After being arrested on a burglary charge, DiNardo also made a confession that he was responsible for the brutal killings of four young men who sought Mr. DiNardo out as their weed connection. “Prosecutors said that Mr. DiNardo lured the victims to a remote family farm in central Bucks County over two days, and along with Mr. Kratz (his cousin who was also his accomplice) shot them, ran one of them over with a backhoe and burned three of the bodies in a last ditch effort to cover their tracks” (Gabriel, Haag, Hurdle, 2017, P. 1). DiNardo had a psychotic break during his killings, he had multiple hallucinations of voices telling him to kill others, and he followed through. DiNardo had positive symptoms of Schizophrenia, even before his break, which was followed by appropriate behaviors. In relation to DiNardo, Son of Sam serial killer David Berkowitz “claimed to suffer from schizophrenia and blamed his killing spree on his neighbor’s dog who he also claimed was actually Satan, who then instructed him to {murder young women in the streets of Queens, New York}” (Frese, 2009, P.2).

Even though these men had Schizophrenia and they acted on their auditory hallucinations, it is extremely important to note that “individuals with a mental disorder were no more apt to commit a crime than those were not afflicted with Schizophrenia or acute psychotic disorders” (Anderson, 1999, P. 40). Just because people have Schizophrenia or any other type of mental illness, doesn’t mean they’re automatically destined to kill others.

Antisocial Personality Disorder and Psychopathy in Serial Killers

Another mental illness that will be briefly touched upon that is also extremely popular when diagnosing serial killers, is Antisocial Personality Disorder. Like the confusion between Schizophrenia and DID, there is also equal mix-up when it comes to Antisocial Personality Disorder and psychopathy. Psychopathy is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is considered a developmental disorder by different neuroscientists. “Many individuals with APD are not psychopathic, but a number of them, especially the ones who exhibit traits such as limited empathy and grandiosity, do demonstrate psychopathy. Psychopathic traits such as charm, manipulation, and intimidation have been recognized by the FBI as being thoroughly connected to serial murder” (Pemment, 2013, P. 1). People who are diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder show no guilt or remorse when it comes to the law or receiving some sort of punishment. This is one of the reasons why serial killers are so commonly diagnosed with it.

When interviewing a serial killer, one commonly finds that they do not regret their actions or feel any guilt or remorse when they murdered their victim. They did it just to simply do it and they have no thought or need to take any of it back. “Antisocial behavior may also include stealing, drug/alcohol abuse, and disregard for authorities, killing/and or mutilating small animals, and setting fires. In adult serial killers it has been observed that they have a difficult time forming sustainable relationships” (Anderson, 1999, P. 41). An example of an individual who had Antisocial Personality Disorder, was Ted Bundy. He was responsible for the deaths of over 40 women during the 1970’s. Although he did meet the criteria for other mental illnesses, such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder and voyeurism, his diagnosis primarily fell in the APD category. When confessing to his crimes, Bundy often said that he felt nothing for his victims and that they simply existed and were in his range of sight. He didn’t have any sort of personal relationship with him, he just wanted to exercise his power over them, which is the NPD part of diagnosis. People with Antisocial Personality Disorder often “violate the rights of others” (Cromer, 2019), as well.

When Ted Bundy was arrested the first time in Florida, he took it upon himself to escape shortly afterwards; not even thinking about the repercussions for his actions. Just as mentioned previously, it is crucial to announce that not all people with Antisocial Personality Disorder are prone to becoming serial killers, it is just only a select few that do.

Conclusion: Recognizing Symptoms and Providing Help

After acquainting myself with bipolar disorder essay examples and researches, I can further appreciate the complexity of mental health conditions. Just as Schizophrenia and Antisocial Personality Disorder are the most common diagnoses amongst serial killers. While some people, like Son of Sam, Cosmo DiNardo, and Ted Bundy act upon their disorders, there are an abundance of people in the world who have these illnesses and do not do anything with regards to harming others. It is so important to recognize the symptoms within other people, especially in loved ones, and attempt to give them the help they deserve.

References

1. Anderson, W. R. (1999). Can Personality Disorders Be Used As Predictors of Serial Killers? Retrieved from St. Joseph’s College https://ez.sjcny.edu:2099/docview/219813630/fulltextPDF/A630743A18764607PQ/1?accountid=28722
2. Cromer. (n.d.). Personality Disorders. Retrieved from St. Joseph’s College https://sjcny.instructure.com/courses/12465/files/1427195?module_item_id=405808
3. Frese, S. (2009, September 09). Schizophrenia and Personality Disorder. Retrieved from https://www.crimemuseum.org/2009/09/09/what-is-the-difference-between-schizophrenia-and-multiple-personality-disorder/
4. Gabriel, T., Haag, M., & Hurdle, J. (2017, July 17). Cosmo DiNardo Took a Dark Turn Before Bucks County Killings, Friends Say. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/17/us/bucks-county-pennsylvania-murders-cosmo-dinardo-.html
5. Schizophrenia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
6. What Would We Find Wrong in the Brain of a Serial Killer? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/blame-the-amygdala/201304/what-would-we-find-wrong-in-the-brain-serial-killer

Essay on Ted Bundy Mental Illness

In the view of life sanctity, is the death penalty a moral way of retribution? Is the death of a criminal something to be celebrated? Can death justify death?

One of the bases of moral retribution is written in the holy scripture, Matthew 5:37 states “You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye and tooth for a tooth’.” For a long time, this passage was viewed in a way that a punishment for a crime must be of the same weight as the crime committed, in a way that a crime of killing can only be justified through the death of the criminal or through the so-called death penalty.

On the other hand, it is enlisted in the 10 commandments of God that we should not kill and it is also written that we should not take revenge for the repay, and avenge belongs to God (Romans 12:19).

In the case of Ted Bundy wherein the moral retribution or justice is imposed through the death penalty, I think that it is something that’s not right or moral. It is for this reason that death cannot justify death, because for me “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” didn’t mean to be practiced as something equal in the same manner but instead something equal even if it is not in the same manner or medium, in a way like a killer must not be sentenced a death penalty to equate it with his sin, but instead be punished of life imprisonment since being imprisoned for the whole life equates with death because being imprisoned for a lifetime is a loss of freedom and such a death in another form.

I think the death of Ted Bundy is something not to be called as justice but just another form of murder, a murder not just of one but all of the people who witnessed and supported his death. If we look at it from another other point of view, it can be discerned that all of the people who supported the death of Ted Bundy were no different from Ted. It is because it is directed to us by God that we shall not kill and this commandment was disobeyed by Ted, but if we look at it deeply, the death of Ted is not an accident whatsoever but instead a form of sin and also a form of disobedience to God’s commandment about killing. Thus, all the people who supported the death of Ted were no different from Ted, they were all killers. Although the persons behind Ted’s death is not a murderer or a killer in the eye of justice, but they are all the same in the eyes of God – they are all killers. Just like what Ted said “They call me crazy, but look at them”, This means that the people celebrating his execution were no different from him, they are calling him crazy but they can also be classified as crazy because a normal person would not celebrate or be pleasured with death of someone.

In support, the death penalty is a form of revenge, an act that was directed to us as something not to be committed since God promised us that the repayment and avenge are for Him. If God is superior, then who are we to go beyond Him? To go beyond His promises. Only we can ask and seek justice, a fair and moral justice, and not personal revenge to ease our pains in the meantime.

From the other point of view, upon assessing the attitude and personality of Ted Bundy it can be discerned that there is something wrong with him because a normal person with good mental health would not do such things. It is stated in multiple articles about the mental health analysis of Ted Bundy and also in the said documentary that Ted is mentally ill. Some of the mental illness associated with Ted was psychopathy, antisocial personality disorder, narcissism, bipolar disorder, sadism, and addiction. But one of the disorders to be highly emphasized was the diagnosis of Dr. Al Carlisle that Ted has a maniac depressive disorder, therefore he is mentally ill. It is really arguable that maybe this diagnosis was fabricated and was just made as an instrument so that Ted can be saved from the execution, but using our own common sense and through observation we can really deduce that he is insane since a normal person would not be able to sexually abuse and kill multiple of innocent persons to the point of necrophilia.

This mental disorder can be rooted in the childhood of Ted Bundy, wherein he found out that he was an illegitimate son and experienced bullying, abuse, and pornographic addiction since pornography is easily accessed. His illegitimacy might have led him to his trust issues. Bullying might have caused him to be violent and the abuse might have him the idea that violence is acceptable. Meanwhile, the pornographic addiction might have caused his sadistic and perverted behavior since the environment that surrounds us is the strongest influencer that shapes us not just in our actions but also in our beliefs and behavior.

Given that Ted Bundy is mentally ill we can presume that the court hearing of Ted Bundy’s case is invalid since he is incompetent to undergo trial. In this manner, the death of Ted Bundy was not justice but just a way of pleasing the desire of the majority and on the other way around was a crime against Ted Bundy.