Serial Killers And The Brain Essay

Abstract

Multiple studies have shown clear distinctions between the brains of serial killers and the average human brain. Deformations in main complexes like the amygdala, hippocampus, frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex may offer explanations for serial killers actions. These parts of the brain regulate and express emotions, control impulses, and establish right from wrong. When the complexes are altered or damaged they won’t be able to function properly leading to bad judgment and violence, such as homicide. Many serial killers are diagnosed with psychotic traits and antisocial personality disorder, while these are behaviorally or environmentally affected, studies have shown brain scans can be predictive of future psychotic or criminal activity.

Due to these findings, researchers believe it is possible that the tendency to commit a criminal offense stems from a lack of responsiveness to reward and lack of self-control. Another finding from the study that supports this belief is when the reward center is hyper-sensitive it may lead people to behave more impulsively. (Handrich, 2016.) Researchers now think a sensitive reward center can be a more predictive factor than a lack of empathy is for future criminal and/or psychotic behavior. However, more follow up studies are needed, as recent studies have been showing more about the role the brain plays in criminal behavior. These conclusions may lead to brain scans being used in forensic examinations of

The only recurring theme in most serial killer biographies is some sort of childhood trauma. The trauma can range from family dysfunction and neglect to physical and sexual abuse. As a result of this abuse they learn to suppress their emotional responses and never learn appropriate responses to emotions and stress. They also will never fully develop their emotions so they won’t know how to distinguish between different feelings or intensities of emotions. Due to this, serial killers won’t be able to empathize with others. However, this does not apply to all serial killers and not all victims of childhood trauma will become serial killers, or extremely violent later in life. Although there is a correlation between trauma, environment and serial killers, there are some outliers that do not fit this