Analysis: Why Serial Killers Are Not Mentally Ill

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Psychopathy: Why Serial Killers Are Not Mentally Ill A mental illness refers to numerous mental health conditions, which can affect someone’s mood, thinking, and behavior (Mental Illness, 2014). Serial killers, those who murder a large number of people, seem like the prime suspect for being a victim of a mental illness, due to the fact that their behavior, in murdering people, is not the norm in society. Most people would expect a serial killer to be insane or mentally ill. However, this is not the case. Most serial killers display signs of having antisocial personality disorders, which are not considered to be mental illnesses (Bonn, 2014). This alone goes to prove that, even though their behavior may be viewed as undesirable and wrong, …show more content…
Someone with this disorder may have no care for what is perceived as right and wrong and typically will not show any regard for other people, and show no remorse or regret for their actions (Antisocial Personality Disorder, 2013). Serial killers display many symptoms of this disease such as persistent lying, using their charm to manipulate others for their own gain or pleasure, as well as being significantly hostile or violent (Antisocial Personality Disorder, 2013). Jeffrey Dahmer, one of the most notorious serial killers, used his charm to lure other men to his apartment, where he would murder them. Though, Antisocial Personality Disorder can be broken down into two smaller, more specific …show more content…
This may also include things such as being successful financially or in a business, being very charming or having successful relationships and families (Mann 2006). Dennis Rader, who called himself BTK (standing for Bind, Torture, Kill), which was the way in which he went about his crimes, was one of those who appeared outwardly successful (Mann 2006). Rader was married, had two children, was an active member of his church, and was even a Boy Scout leader during the time he was out killing (Mann 2006). Another outwardly successful serial killer was H. H. Holmes, one of the first serial killers to be documented. Holmes was extremely successful, owning his own business and living in a quite large and expensive house, though all the while he was killing people and selling their corpses to medical schools. Serial killers like Holmes
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