Research Paper Outline The following paper will explore the history and causes of Running Amok, a rare Culture-Bound, psychological disorder. Those diagnosed with Running Amok have displayed aggressive behavior, going on a homicidal rampage, suicidal tendencies extremely likely after, and in some cases have experienced amnesia. This conditioned has been recognized by the APA, despite its rare and nearly incurable nature. Amok was originally believed to be indigenous to Malaysia. “Amok, or running amok, is derived from the Malay word mengamok, which means to make a furious and desperate charge.” (Saint Martin, 1999). Malay mythology suggests that running amok was caused by an evil tiger spirit controlling the human’s body involuntarily. Amok is “a condition recognized two years ago by the American Psychiatric Association that strikes Laotian, Malaysian and Filipino men between ages 20 and 40” (Treen, Dana). Certain acts of violence however, such as school shootings, have been believed to be a presentation of an American version of Amok, indicating that there is some evidence the syndrome is present in some modernized cultures. (msu.edu) …show more content…
A strong belief among cultures with frequent cases of Running Amok is that the condition is culturally induced, with there being cultural factors only observed among these primitive tribes that caused Amok. Culture also heavily determines behaviors that individuals will manifest. Characteristic of a CBS, Running Amok occurs in many unrelated cultures. Biologically, Running Amok is considered the result of a mental disorder, personality pathology, and psychosocial stressors. Certain individuals may also be predisposed to the characteristic behaviors of Amok. Individually, patients are assessed for risk factors known to be affiliated with violent behavior. After an episode, the attacker often experiences
Neurotransmitters have been suggested as a significant cause of aggressive behavior. Hans Brunner, a geneticist at the University Hospital in Nijmegen, has found that the violent male members of the Dutch family mentioned earlier in this paper, lacked a gene that produces monoamine oxidase-a (MAOA) (4). MAOA is an enzyme that breaks down significant transmitters in the brain. If the MAOA does not break down these transmitters - specifically, serotonin - then buildup of serotonin will occur and could cause a person to act violently (3).
Not all humans experience these life altering events in the same way. A combination of psychiatric and psychologic theories can be applied to the life of David Berkowitz form his violent experiences as a young adult to his neglect from mother figure throughout childhood. It can be said that a combination of these factors experienced throughout his life, led the Son of Sam killer to lash out his frustration on innocent victims in order to receive relief from a buildup of years of aggressive violent thoughts and
As typical human beings we all want to know why someone could randomly take the lives of several innocent people all at one time. It is frightening and scientists figure if they can figure out why, then it can be prevented in the future. The documentary, Mind of a Rampage Killer, tries to solve the mystery and really dive deep into the minds of people who could potentially create such a horrifying situation. Through the use of ethos, logos, and pathos, this documentary concludes that every killer had something in common; they all struggled with mental disorders, depression, or outbursts of violence, all stemming from early childhood or an internal battle throughout growing up, some could have even just been born with a violent rage.
Nature refers, in this case, to how the subject is genetically made-up. It is the belief of many researchers that damage to the brain or front lobe causes the violent behavior demonstrated by serial killers. The frontal lobe is in charge of social relations and maintaining adequate relationships with others. Damage to the temporal lobe can result in hair-trigger violent reactions and increased aggressive responses. Damage to the limbic system can also be a cause of serial killers’ ‘dysfunction’. The limbic system controls emotional responses and motivation. MRI scans of known serial killers show damage to the limbic system, or inactivity. When the limbic brain is damaged, it may account for uncontrollable aggression.
This article seems to describe a man who had a psychotic break with reality, which could be attributed to schizophrenia. We can see that this man, Todd West, suddenly developed weird behavior as well as hallucinatory voices. As Joanne Greenberg explains schizophrenic people often interact in compulsive illogical thinking which going on a rampage would be constituted as. (Greenberg, 18) Their are two hallmark of schizophrenia that: false memories and beliefs that are all consuming and also hallucinations that can affect any of the senses. (Greenberg, 50) Although these symptoms always appear in a schizophrenic patient they can appear at different levels, some people are much more involved with their delusions then others. (Mendel, 273)
... J. H., & Manos, M. J. (2004). Abnormal Psychology: Current Perspectives 9th ed. In L. B. Alloy, J. H. Riskind, & M. J. Manos, The Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sociocultural Perspectives (pp. 75-104). New York: McGraw Hill.
Fifty years ago, a person breaking the law would either be called crazy or a criminal. Today, the mental health community has much more specific diagnoses. However, the explanation of certain behaviors may be difficult because there is much overlap among mental conditions. In Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho, the protagonist, Patrick Bateman, is apparently simply a psychopath. However, Bateman can be diagnosed with other mental illnesses such as Asperger’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, narcissism, and antisocial personality disorder. In both the book and film adaptation, Bateman’s actions can be understood more accurately when analyzed in light of modern psychology.
Their symptoms are directly related to specific threats of extreme violence. Victims gave examples which included nightmares of assaults that occurred while incarcerated and panic attacks in response to police sirens. In sixteen cases, other psychiatric disorders were evident. Ten of them suffered from a type of depressive disorder, five had features of a panic disorder, four had symptoms of paranoia, and three had acquired a dependence on drugs and/or alcohol. In addition, chronic sleeping problems, moodiness, and irritability were increased in all cases.
Serial killers are defined to “be driven by instinct and desire to kill.” In a study done in 2000, Dr, Richard Davidson says, “people with a large amount of aggression – in particular people who have committed aggressive murders or have a social disorder – have almost no brain activity in the orbital frontal cortex or the anterior cingulated cortex while activity in the amyglade continued perfectly. The orbital frontal cortex and the anterior congulated cortex control emotional impulses while the amyglade controls reactions to fear.” Davidson concludes his research claiming that although environment can and will affect a serial killer’s thoughts, it is a killer’s genetic makeup that inevitably creates murderous thoughts.
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Rector, N. A. (2011). Abnormal psychology. (2 ed., p. 297, 321, 322,
Both legal and mental health professionals have long struggled to establish a clear and acceptable definition of insanity. Insanity is a legal term, not a psychological or medical one. The Sarasons prefer to use the term “maladaptive behavior” instead of insane or insanity. Maladaptive behavior is, “behavior that deals inadequately with a situation, especially one that is stressful” (5). Adaptation is the way people balance what they do and want to do, and what the environment/community requires of them. Successful adaptation depends on a person’s stress (situations that impose demands on him or her), vulnerability (likelihood of a maladaptive response), and coping skills (techniques that help him or her deal with difficulties/stress) (5). Consider the recent school shootings as an
Comer, R. J. (2011). Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology (Sixth ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
History shows that signs of mental illness and abnormal behavior have been documented as far back as the early Greeks however, it was not viewed the same as it is today. The mentally ill were previously referred to as mad, insane, lunatics, or maniacs. W.B. Maher and B.A. Maher (1985) note how many of the terms use had roots in old English words that meant emotionally deranged, hurt, unhealthy, or diseased. Although early explanations were not accurate, the characteristics of the mentally ill have remained the same and these characteristics are used to diagnose disorders to date. Cultural norms have always been used to assess and define abnormal behavior. Currently, we have a decent understanding of the correlates and influences of mental illness. Although we do not have complete knowledge, psychopathologists have better resources, technology, and overall research skills than those in ancient times.
Silver, Eric. 2006. “Understanding the Relationship between Mental Disorder and Violence: The Need for a Criminological Perspective.” Law and Human Behavior 30(6):685-706.
There are various theories within the biological explanation as to why individuals commit criminal behaviour, these include: genetic theory, hereditary theory, psychosis and brain injury theory. In the next few paragraphs examples of each will be shown.