NCJ Number
198082
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2002 Pages: 1347-1359
Editor(s)
Michael A. Peat Ph.D.
Date Published
November 2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
In this paper, the case of Jeffrey Dahmer, serial killer, is studied from a combined developmental and neuropsychiatric perspective in an attempt to facilitate dialogue regarding the origins of sexual serial killing behavior.
Abstract
Over the last three decades, serial killing has become a topic of great interest and intense discussion. Therefore, understanding serial killing behavior has become paramount, demanding clarification. This study used the life history of Jeffrey Dahmer (JD), a well-known convicted sexual serial killer as a means of exploring the origins of serial killing behavior. This paper proposes a biopsychosocial psychiatric model for understanding the origins of sexual serial homicidal behavior from both neuropsychiatric and developmental perspectives. The focus is on the role that autistic spectrum psychopathology or pervasive developmental disorders may have had in the development of Jeffrey Dahmer as a serial killer. It is argued that he suffered from a form of high-functioning autistic psychopathology, known as Asperger’s disorder. The paper explores the relationship of Asperger’s disorder to other psychopathology and to JD’s homicidal behavior. Implications of the proposed biopsychosocial psychiatric model for the future study of the causes of sexual serial homicidal crime are discussed. References