The case of Jeffrey Dahmer, one of the most infamous serial killers in history, continues to arouse interest and perplexity among both the public and the scientific community. This opinion piece examines the complex interactions of neurobiological, psychosocial, and environmental factors that may have contributed to Dahmer’s aberrant behaviors, based on the case study “Jeffrey Dahmer: Multifactoriality in the Light of Neuroscience” by Fabiano de Abreu Rodrigues and Francis Moreira da Silveira.
Historical Context and Criminal Profile
Jeffrey Dahmer committed 17 murders between 1978 and 1991, characterized by acts of cannibalism, necrophilia, and dismemberment. His crimes were not impulsive, but carefully planned, which suggests conscious control over his actions. The motivation behind his acts appears to be linked to a combination of deviant sexual impulses and a deep need to control and possess his victims in an absolute and permanent way (Rodrigues & Silveira, 2023).
Neurobiological Factors
Neuroscientific analysis of Dahmer’s behavior reveals several potential anomalies. During pregnancy, his mother used psychotropic drugs, including phenobarbital, which has been linked to birth defects and the development of neurological disorders. Studies indicate that prenatal exposure to phenobarbital can lead to impairments in working memory, spatial learning, and schizophrenia-like behaviors in animal models (Bhardwaj et al., 2012; Bath & Scharfman, 2013).
Additionally, Dahmer was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder. Individuals with these conditions often exhibit impulsive behaviors, emotional instability, and distortions in their perception of reality, which may explain some of Dahmer’s violent and manipulative actions (Smith, 1992).
Impact of Environment and Childhood Trauma
Dahmer’s childhood was marked by traumatic events, including suspected sexual abuse at age eight and surgery for a double inguinal hernia at age four, which left him fearful that he had lost his penis. Such events may have contributed to a distorted emotional and psychological background, exacerbating aggressive tendencies and deviant behavior (Biography.com Editors, 2014; Imrie, 1991).
Cannibalistic Behaviors and Need for Control
Dahmer’s cannibalism can be interpreted as an extreme attempt to internalize his victims, a way to control and possess their bodies permanently. This is closely related to his fear of abandonment and his need to keep his victims close to him permanently. This behavior reflects a complex intersection of sexual deviations, emotional needs, and personality disorders (Raymond, Léger, & Gasman, 2019).
Psychiatric diagnoses
Dahmer’s psychiatric diagnoses included borderline personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and a possible psychotic disorder. The presence of these comorbidities suggests profound emotional and cognitive dysregulation, with significant deficits in areas such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for emotional regulation and social decision-making (Karlsdottir et al., 2010; McCutcheon, Krystal, & Howes, 2020).
Conclusion
The case study of Jeffrey Dahmer illustrates the complexity of the interactions between neurobiological, psychological and environmental factors in the formation of violent and deviant behaviors. Although neuroscience provides valuable insights into the possible causes of such behaviors, it is essential to consider the multifactorial nature and uniqueness of each case. Effective prevention and treatment of serious mental disorders requires an integrated approach that takes all of these aspects into account.
Reference :
RODRIGUES, F. de AA, & SILVEIRA, FM da. (2023). Jeffrey Dahmer: Multifactoriality in the Light of Neuroscience. Ibero-American Journal of Humanities, Sciences and Education, 9(1), 532-548. DOI: 10.51891/rease.v9i1.8273.
