Pseudocommando | Mass Murderer Archives

The “Pseudocommando” Mass Murderer: Part I, The Psychology of Revenge and Obliteration

December 5, 2018September 14, 2017 by admin

Abstract

The pseudocommando is a type of mass murderer who kills in public during the daytime, plans his offense well in advance, and comes prepared with a powerful arsenal of weapons. He has no escape planned and expects to be killed during the incident. Research suggests that the pseudocommando is driven by strong feelings of anger and resentment, flowing from beliefs about being persecuted or grossly mistreated. He views himself as carrying out a highly personal agenda of payback. Some mass murderers take special steps to send a final communication to the public or news media; these communications, to date, have received little detailed analysis. An offender's use of language may reveal important data about his state of mind, motivation, and psychopathology. Part I of this article reviews the research on the pseudocommando, as well as the psychology of revenge, with special attention to revenge fantasies. It is argued that revenge...

Psychiatric Study Of A Mass Murderer

November 30, 2018September 26, 2017 by admin

Abstract

Careful examination including review of the psychological test data failed in our opinion to reveal evidence of psychosis. The diagnosis of sociopathic personality was based upon the history of poor social adjustment, intolerance of frustration and discipline, antisocial behavior, nomadism, poor work record, egocentricity and lack of judgment together with the findings upon examination.

His statement that he had faked insanity on his second admission to hospital and the absence of amnesia for this episode do not exclude a diagnosis of Ganser syndrome. It was our opinion, however, that the symptoms were consciously determined. On his first admission, limited attempts at simulation were seen in his responses on the projective tests and also in his claim of previous electroshock therapy. Due to lack of space, this report does not include all the findings of our examinations during the 44 days the patient was in hospital The psychological tests will be reported later in a psychological journal....