I don't think anyone suggests that there is a clear cut answer. Psychomom, correct me if I am wrong...it is my understanding that there is no one test that you can do for these personality disorders and no one thing that happens in a child's history that definitely makes them "this or that."
I have seen profiles written on certain murderers, and then seen papers that re-evaluate that analysis.
We have a tiny portion of what LE has and a tiny snippet into someone's life. Who knows...but it does pass the time to research and speculate.
You need to see more than one bit of information to make a valid diagnosis. One test can point you in a direction, but you will need to do more investigation before completing your diagnosis. As for a single event creating a disorder, in the case of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), that can be the case. Think of a violent assault, or a horrifying auto accident, or witnessing a murder. Those can trigger PTSD, which usually will lead to panic attacks, depression, flashbacks, etc. Not usually any violence in that.
As for other disorders, while a single incident can create a crisis, and it could trigger some underlying problems, usually it depends on how the crisis is managed. For example, if a child is assaulted, he or she may separate from their mind during the assault because their mind cannot handle what the body is going through. That may create a blank spot in their tape. A piece of memory they file away as something not connected to them personally. It can pop back up, which could trigger PTSD, ironically. If the assaults or abuse is ongoing, sometimes the mind can split. One mind takes the abuse, one doesn't remember it.
That is where the idea of split personality comes from. Even then, it is a very, very, very controversial diagnosis. Mostly poo-pooed by most in the mental health field. Even then, the personalities tend to be age appropriate for the abuse, or become the parent, or the person in charge of protecting all the personalities, or the so-called 'normal' person. Still, rarely, do any of these become violent.
There are those who grow up in continued abuse who become abusive themselves. Usually, that abuse is in their own family system, just like what they endured. It is a true psychotic break to leap into murder for thrill. I see that more in the realm of a someone with antisocial personality disorder. That does include psychopath and sociopath, as we have discussed ad nauseum. I believe those behaviors would stand out starting earlier in life in some way, shape, or manner.
These people are devoid of a soul, as far as I can see. I have seen it in children, some as young as 7 years old, and it is scary. These children could act perfectly normal and smile at you and play games and be sweet as honey. Then look at you and tell you about twisting a kitten's neck until it snapped because it didn't want to be petted. Or the teen who ran over a little girl who looks at you and states, "Everyone has to die, why should it bother me?" Those are extreme cases. It could be as simple as getting on a teacher's computer and looking up kiddie *advertiser censored*, then reporting them for abuse because they put you in detention for talking in class. Or putting exlax in the competition's food before the big race.
Those with antisocial personality disorder do things for their benefit only. Anything or anyone who disrupts what they are wanting are to be removed or taught to tow the line. They can become abusive spouses and parents because you have to present the proper image despite what happens at home. They are really good at becoming bosses, often. Not always. Sometimes, they are not savvy enough to become bosses, but they are willing to stomp on anyone blocking their goal, even if it involves lying, cheating, stealing, or, in some cases, murder.
Whoa! I typed too much. Sorry. Hope it helps. :shush:
fftopic:
