THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 2 The Evil behind the Mastermind On the early morning of January 24 th , 1989, in Starke, Florida, a crowd of people eagerly awaited for a mans death sentence to be confirmed. After a long morning, the anxious crowd finally got to cheer in victory as the man died by the electric chair. He was served the death sentence after being found guilty for admitting to the murders of at least 30 women and young girls. It is believed he brutally murdered up to 100 victims, but he only confessed to committing 30 of the horrendous crimes. The man was known best for the unspeakable, gruesome, and tragic ways he killed his victims including kidnapping, raping, and dismembering body parts. Out of the 30 victims found, 12 of them were found with their heads decapitated. The name of the man responsible for these chilling acts was Theodore Robert Cowell, better known as Ted Bundy. Ted is one of Americas most popular serial killers whose actions leave society wondering why. Why would a person commit such nasty crimes? What would compel a person to even think to do such awful things? If a good look is taken at Teds past, some answers begin to appear. Many factors led to Teds evil ways. Ted was a troublesome human being from the start. His young and single mother could not raise him alone. He grew up with her as his sister, but she was actually his young mother. He was also unaware that his parents were his grandparents. He did not find out the truth until much later in his life. At a young age Ted was known to have a fascination with knives and sharp objects. He was known for his odd and aggressive behavior, and was referred to as a bully. Ted had been arrested on more than one account for battery and suspicion for stealing. In his teen years, Ted was quite introverted and unsociable, yet was very charming and witty when he needed to be. He was a smooth talker when it came to ladies and had numerous girlfriends at one time. He began taking an unhealthy liking to alcohol. He would spend his time spying on women from a distance. Then he began approaching women appearing THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 3 to have a handicap. He would have his arm in a sling or crutches. He would wait until they were alone before kidnapping them. He would murder these women, and then drop off their bodies. According to psychologists who evaluated Ted Bundy after his first arrest, the events that led Ted to commit such ghastly acts were due to ASPD, Antisocial Personality Disorder. They classified him as a psychopath. They also diagnosed him with Bipolar Disorder. They concluded that some of the factors in Teds life, (his odd upbringing, and his use of alcohol, etc.), led to his Antisocial Personality Disorder and the associated disorder. The main result was a person who does not lack remorse, or have empathy toward others- a killer. (Psychological Analysis Ted Bundy., n.d.). According to the survey, (Personality Disorders. 2004. p. 1), an estimated 30.8 million American adults (14.8%) meet standard diagnostic criteria for at least one personality disorder as defined in the American Psychiatric Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. More males than females are diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder. (Personality Disorders.2004.). Antisocial Personality Disorder is not an uncommon disorder. In fact, it is linked to many other disorders, and is the reason for many appalling actions carried out by a person. The reason most people, like Ted Bundy, commit sordid crimes is because of this disorder or a factor linked to this disorder. Antisocial Personality Disorder has several identifying characteristics and causes, and is linked to a handful of other disorders. What It Is: First, Antisocial Personality Disorder has many characteristics and is classified into clusters depending on the severity of the condition. Antisocial Personality Disorder can be characterized by repetitive behavior, which mainly includes manipulating and violating the rights of the people around them. It is a psychiatric condition based solely on behavioral patterns. A person can be diagnosed with this disorder at any point in their lifetime, but is usually diagnosed THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 4 early in their young adult years. One can be diagnosed with this condition at age 15 if one exhibits certain behavioral patterns that fit the criteria for the disorder. Examples of these characteristics include the following: repeated criminal acts, impulsiveness, disregard for the safety of others, and lack of remorse. One can also be diagnosed with this condition at age 18 if they have similar characteristics, but their actions are more powerful. For example they are deceitful and dishonest (they repeat lies so much that they become reality to them), they are very aggressive and are involved in physical fights, they are reckless (to the point where they feel they are invincible), and they are constantly irresponsible. (Cooper, 1994). Second, Antisocial Personality Disorder has such a wide range of characteristics that they are divided into clusters. Cluster A is the less severe. It involves individuals who demonstrate abnormal behavior and are usually not involved in the social norm. The individual may be perceived as just the odd one out. They seem as though they would rather be alone, and when spoken too, they do not make eye contact. They have odd behavior, sometimes aggressive, but they are strange more than anything. Cluster B is more severe. An individual may seem dramatic and emotional. Their attitude may seem aggressive toward others for no particular reason, and this makes them questionably dangerous. Drug and alcohol problems are commonly linked to people with the disorder at this stage. Cluster C is the most severe cluster of the three. An individual at this stage may always seem anxious or fearful. They often worry and are always on edge. This may make the person more likely to snap and be aggressive. That may be dangerous to be around. (Managing primary care patients with personality disorder, 2004). Third, Clusters B and C are commonly linked to individuals with severe characteristics who are sometimes labeled as a sociopath or a psychopath. According to Borges (September 2013), THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 5 The 4 th and 5th editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), which states: The essential feature of antisocial personality disorder is a persuasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood. This pattern has also been referred to as psychopathy, sociopathy, or dissocial personality disorder. The term psychopath if often associated with a malignant narcissist or a sociopath and some people often wrongly diagnose one for the other (p.3). There are around 21 extra traits one must have in order to be considered a sociopath or psychopath. These traits are in addition to the characteristics that meet the criteria for diagnosing one with Antisocial Personality Disorder. Some of the extra traits include the following: a superficial charm, manipulative ways, no emotional reactions, severe lack of empathy, poor control of behavior, and sexual promiscuity. Depending on the percentage of a trait, one then can be diagnosed as either a sociopath or a psychopath. Borges states, Psychopathy and sociopathy are both anti-social personality disorders. While both these disorders are the result of an interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors, psychopathy leans towards the heredity whereas sociopathy tends toward the environmental (September 2013, p.4). In other words, sociopathy is characterized by actions that vary from violence and impulsivity. A sociopathic individual has more of a controlled behavior, and this allows him/her to minimize his/her risks. They better blend in with society by controlling themselves and can give the impression of being normal socially by maintaining relationships with others. They fall into the Cluster B group. A psychopathic individual cannot control anger and impulsivity. They are THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 6 unable to maintain themselves and cannot appear normal in society. They fall into Cluster C group. (Borges, 2013). Disorders Associated With ASPD: Antisocial Personality Disorder has many disorders associated with it. One disorder that is the most closely associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD has characteristics including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. (Antisocial Personality Disorder Related Diseases & Conditions, 1996). According to a study, (Gudjonsson, et al. 2013), there is a big link between Antisocial Personality Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This group of psychiatrists provides information from an experiment and survey taken from 90 Icelandic male prisoners, all serving sentences for criminal offences. Most prisoners were around the age 30. The experiment was to illustrate the connections between the disorders. The results concluded that all 90 male prisoners met the criteria resulting in ADHD. 58% of those with ADHD were also cases that were associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder. Some of the behavioral patterns associated with ADHD closely resemble those of Antisocial Personality Disorder. ADHD is closely associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder as illustrated from the experiment. Sometimes the two disorders are so closely associated that an individual may only be diagnosed with ADHD or mistaken to only have ADHD alone. (Gudjonsson, et al., 2013). In addition, ADHD isnt the only disorder linked to Antisocial Personality Disorder. Anxiety disorders (Obsessive Compulsive Disorders), and Depression are some disorders that are associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder in the Cluster A group. Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Mental Illness are some disorders that are associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder in the Cluster B group. Bipolar disorder and Severe Mental THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 7 Health Disorders are associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder in the Cluster C group. The severity of the associated disorders impacts the severity of Antisocial Personality Disorder, and can also help determine any additional causes of the disorder. (Antisocial Personality Disorder Related Diseases & Conditions, 1996). Causes: Antisocial Personality Disorder can be caused by a number of factors. Antisocial Personality Disorder can be caused by genetics. The inherited characteristics that make up a person can be passed on from the parent (Mayo Foundation, 2013). Genetics can include anything from a type of brain deficiency to the region of the brain that causes such characteristics of the disorder. As stated by Pemment, (The neurobiology of antisocial personality disorder. 2012), from looking at the development in those with antisocial personality disorder (from functional integrity of the brain to genes and neurotransmitters), it is not difficult to see why classifying APD has been a difficult and arduous task (p.4). Pemment explains that the deficiencies and abnormalities in the brain associated with Antisocial Personality Disorder are hard to recognize, and pinpoint, due to the fact that there are a lot of factors that come into play involving brain activity. He compares it to a needle in the haystack. He theorizes that the abnormality could be due to the lack of a neurotransmitter (a chemical in the brain that allows neurons to communicate). He says that this could be due to the lack of a protein in the brain. Another cause is possible past head injury or trauma. This could have resulted in damage to the brain causing the disorder. Other than genetics, other possible causes can include the environment and past experiences. These can be anything from the upbringing of the child to the types of behaviors a child has acquired through his/her lifetime. Some examples include the presence of siblings, any THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 8 physical or mental abuse, the type of home the child was raised, and they types of choices the child made for itself. As Black states, (What Causes Antisocial Personality Disorder. Psych Central, 2006), Social and home environment also contributes to the development of antisocial behavior. Parents of troubled children frequently show a high level of antisocial behavior themselves. In one large study, the parents of delinquent boys were more often alcoholic or criminal and their homes frequently disrupted by divorce, separation or absence of a parent (p. 1). It is also believed that an individual that has suffered from drug or alcohol abuse is more likely to have Antisocial Personality Disorder. This abuse easily allows for the onset of aggressive and impulsive behavior, resulting in the diagnoses of the disorder. A combination of these factors could have contributed to the cause of this disorder. Treatment & Prognosis: The treatment and prognosis for Antisocial Personality disorder is dependent on the severity of the condition, what factors cause it, and what type of other disorders are associated. There are such a wide variety of factors that could possibly cause this disorder. It is hard to pinpoint the exact cause, making it hard to find a direct course of treatment. In order to treat Antisocial Personality Disorder there are a series of tests. An individual must be evaluated and meet all criteria in order to have an accurate diagnosis. This allows for the person to be put into a category based on the severity of the disorder. Once this step is complete, one may have to undergo many types of therapy in order to be placed in one that benefits the individual the most. The prognosis depends on the person and the situation. Most people with Antisocial Personality have committed crimes and may be serving time as a result. Most people have this disorder THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 9 because they abuse drugs or alcohol. Other actions may be taken to help these people in these specific situations. Sometimes certain medications can be given to control mood swings, anger, or depression. The prognosis is negative. Not only because the direct cause of ASPD is unclear, but because these characteristics may define the person. There is little help for a person who cannot be changed. Conclusion: Antisocial Personality Disorder is one reason behind evil. A close look at the brain indicates there are genetic and environmental components which cause this disorder. It could be caused by nature or nurture or a combination of the two. It is linked to other disorders. There are treatments, but there is not much of a good prognosis. Mainly due to the fact that a person acquires antisocial characteristics and that is who they become. Antisocial Personality Disorder essentially engrosses a persons brain. The person attempts to become in control, and the people around them just become game pieces in their version of Life. They will do anything in their power in order to win, even if that means hurting people in their path. This is harmful in many ways, not only to others, but to the person with Antisocial Personality Disorder. The evil actions of people cannot always be explained, but in most cases ASPD is a pretty good explanation. ASPD can explain tragedy, like Ted Bundys crimes, but it is tragic in itself because it is a sad way to live life. It would be exhausting to live life obsessing over how to control people. This makes it impossible to maintain healthy relationships. Antisocial Personality Disorder essentially separates the person from reality. They become a monster, destroying life rather than living it. This is a prime example of a losing winner. The bad guy seems to have won, but did he really?
THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 10 References
Antisocial Personality Disorder Related Diseases & Conditions. (1996). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/antisocial_personality_disorder/related-conditions/index.htm Black, D. (2006). What Causes Antisocial Personality Disorder. Psych Central. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-causes-antisocial-personality -disorder/000652 Borges, A. (September 2013). What makes someone a psychopath. Retrieved from http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-what-makes-someone-a-psychopath-1891082 Cooper, A. (1994). Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD). Retrieved from http://www.health.am/psy/antisocial-personality-disorder/ Gudjonsson, G. H., Fridrik, J., Sigurdsson, Einarsson, E.B., Olafur, O., & Newton, A. K. (April 2010). Inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and antisocial personality disorder: Which is the best predictor of false confessions. In Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 48, Issue 6 (pp.720-724). Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.01.012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Antisocial Personality Disorder. (April 12, 2013). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antisocial- personality-disorder/DS00829 Pemment, J. (2012). The neurobiology of antisocial personality disorder: The quest for rehabilitation and treatment. Aggression and Violent Behavior. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2012.10.004 Psychological Anaylisis Ted Bundy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tedbundyproject.weebly.com/psychological-analysis.html THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 11 U.S. National Library of Medicine. (November 10, 2012). Antisocial Personality Disorder. Sociopathic personality; Sociopathy; Personality disorder antisocial. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001919 (2004, August 29). Personality Disorders; Survey reported on the prevalence of personality disorders in the United States. Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA, 91. Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.bakerezproxy.palnet.info/elibweb/elib/do/document?set=search&dict ionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standard&resultid=2&edition=&ts=9 8E8DAE9D7F05CD82FD93A0D1EA199B2_1384269455662&start=1&publicationId=&urn=ur n%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B121471560 (2004, November 01). Managing primary care patients with personality disorder. Pulse, 60. Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.bakerezproxy.palnet.info/elibweb/elib/do/document?urn=urn:bigchal k:US%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B102008908#citation
THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 12
Annotated References
Antisocial Personality Disorder Related Diseases & Conditions. (1996). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/antisocial_personality_disorder/related-conditions/index.htm A group of doctors and psychiatrists present information, on Medicine Net, Inc., an online source, that is based on Antisocial Personality Disorder and the Related Diseases and Conditions. The source lists and explains how each disease and its conditions are related to ASPD. In my paper I intend to use the list of related diseases to explain what disorders ASPD can usually be linked to. I will just mention some disorders that appear on the list. Black, D. (2006). What Causes Antisocial Personality Disorder. Psych Central. Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-causes-antisocial-personality -disorder/000652 From an article on Antisocial Personality Disorder, Dr. Donald Black, Professor of Psychiatry of University of Iowa City, IA, research factors that can lead to causing ASPD. Black provides theories, some based on environmental factors, which can lead to the development of ASPD. I intend to use these theories to help explain the causes of ASPD. Borges, A.What makes someone a psychopath. (September 2013). Retrieved from http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-what-makes-someone-a-psychopath-1891082 From an article on what makes someone a psychopath, Andre Borges, a media writer for DNA Web Team of Diligent Media Corporation, in Mumbai, explains the differences between a psychopath and a sociopath. Borges provides a chart indicating the differences between them. I intend to use the information to help explain the types of disorders associated with ASPD. THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 13 Cooper, A. (1994). Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD). Retrieved from http://www.health.am/psy/antisocial-personality-disorder/ From an article on Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD), Dr. Anne-Marin B. Cooper, from the American Psychiatric Association, researches Antisocial Personality Disorder. She lists all factors that are related with the disorder. Cooper provides great detail about characteristics involving ASPD. I intend to use some of her detailed descriptions to illustrate what the disorder consists of. Gudjonsson, G. H., Fridrik, J., Sigurdsson, Einarsson, E.B., Olafur, O., & Newton, A. K. (April 2010). Inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity and antisocial personality disorder: Which is the best predictor of false confessions. In Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 48, Issue 6 (pp.720-724). Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.01.012 From an article on Personality and Indifferences, Gisli H. Gudjonsson of Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London, United Kingdom, Jon Fridrik Sigurdsson of Division of Psychiatry, Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland, Emil Einarsson of Division of Psychiatry, Landspitali-University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland, Olafur Orn Bragason of the Office of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, Reykjavik, Iceland, and Anna Kristin Newton of the Prison and Probation Administration, Reykjavik, Iceland, all researched the importance ASPD has on ADHD. They provide information from an experiment, and a survey, taken from prisoners to illustrate the connections between both of the disorders. I intend to use the information provided from the article to help explain the connection between ASPD and ADHD. THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 14 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Antisocial Personality Disorder. (April 12, 2013). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antisocial- personality-disorder/DS00829 From online source, from Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, information is presented by a group of doctors and psychiatrists. Within the information provided there is an overview about Antisocial Personality Disorder. Source provides general information about the topic including symptoms, causes, and prevention. I intend to use some of the general information, not provided from other sources, to help explain ASPD. Pemment, J. (2012). The neurobiology of antisocial personality disorder: The quest for rehabilitation and treatment. Aggression and Violent Behavior. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2012.10.004 From the article on Aggression and Violent Behavior, Jack Pemment of The University of Mississippi, Biology Department, United States, researches the neurobiology of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Pemment explains the differences between the brains of people that are diagnosed with ASPD psychopathy. He also looks at the possible genetic factors included. Pemment explains current treatment and asks about future treatment. I intend to use this information presented in the article, to help explain the causes of ASPD. I also intend to use the information to explain treatment types available to those with this condition. Psychological Analysis Ted Bundy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://tedbundyproject.weebly.com/psychological-analysis.html This website is a generic summary on Ted Bundy. It does not give an author or date. It just gives basic information in a list. I intend to use the information provided for details in my introduction. THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 15 U.S. National Library of Medicine. (November 10, 2012). Antisocial Personality Disorder. Sociopathic personality; Sociopathy; Personality disorder antisocial. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001919 From an online source from A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia that is based on Antisocial Personality Disorder. The source gives general information about ASPD. Some of the topics include risk factors, symptoms, and treatments associated with the disorder. I intend to use some of the general information to help explain characteristics that relate with ASPD. (2004, August 29). Personality Disorders; Survey reports on the prevalence of personality disorders in the United States. Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA, 91. Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.bakerezproxy.palnet.info/elibweb/elib/do/document?set=search&dict ionaryClick=&secondaryNav=&groupid=1&requestid=lib_standard&resultid=2&edition=&ts=9 8E8DAE9D7F05CD82FD93A0D1EA199B2_1384269455662&start=1&publicationId=&urn=ur n%3Abigchalk%3AUS%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B121471560 From a survey report on Personality Disorders, a Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA, the survey reports numbers on people in the United States, that meet criteria for having ASPD. I intend to use the data in my introduction to help make a point about the importance of the disorder. (2004, November 01). Managing primary care patients with personality disorder. Pulse, 60. Retrieved from http://elibrary.bigchalk.com.bakerezproxy.palnet.info/elibweb/elib/do/document?urn=urn:bigchal k:US%3BBCLib%3Bdocument%3B102008908#citation From an article on managing primary care patients with Personality Disorder, Dr. Philip Sugarman and Dr. Antony Walters GB United Kingdom, EU, research patients that have a THE EVIL BEHIND THE MASTERMIND 16 personality disorder. Sugarman and Walters explain the different types of personality disorders and the characteristics that define them. I intend to use the research and information to help define the differences ASPD has compared to other personality disorders.