What goes on in the mind of a serial killer? Health24 spoke to forensic psychiatrist Prof Tuviah Zabow.
The term “serial killer” has been created by Hollywood and does not accurately describe the person who commits such deeds, says Prof Zabow. A "serial killer" is best described as "someone committing malignant sexual homicidal acts".
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Look at the murders, the victims and the modus operandi and it will give you clues as to how a serial killer is thinking. Most "serial killers" plan carefully, says the expert.
“There is always a sexual element to these crimes – the killer derives sexual gratification from raping and/or mutilating his victims,” says Prof Zabow.
These killers can be either disorganised or organised:
Disorganised group: They are mentally ill and do not function adequately. As a result, they easily get caught. Unlike the picture painted by Hollywood, very few serial killers belong to this group.
Organised group: The majority of serial killings are performed by an organised killer. He/she has a disturbance in personality functioning but is not mentally ill.
They carefully plan and calculate their actions and take care to cover their tracks, making them harder to catch. Most of these killers can be classified as having an anti-social personality disorder.
“In order to draw up a profile of a serial killer, one needs to look at the types of murders the person commits. This will give you a clue as to what the underlying psychodynamic reasoning behind the killings is. For example, a person who kills couples probably has difficulties in relationships. A person who kills children is likely to be a paedophile.”
Do serial killers want to get caught? The murder excites the killer tremendously. He needs to kill again to feel the same excitement. When the excitement wears off, he may start taking greater risks and taunting the police. By increasing the risk, he increases the level of excitement, according to Zabow.
How is an anti-social personality disorder diagnosed? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV a person needs to meet three or more of the following criteria:
Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviours as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest
Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure
Impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead
Irritability and aggression, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults
Reckless disregard for safety of self or others
Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behaviour or honour financial obligations
Lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalising having hurt, mistreated or stolen from someone else.
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