AS we are now uncovering through brain scans,and research we've come to understand that Psychopaths are a product of BOTH nature and nurture.
One prevailing theory (Scientifically backed) is that the genetic link comes from the mother, she passes, along an extra Y chromosome, that en-utero causes, a a condition where the fetal brain receives, too much serotonin, serotonin is usually linked, with calm, however the fetal brain builds a resistance to this hormone,this condition results in a frontal lobe insult that changes, how psychopaths perceive, and how they feel, it also tends to reduce their understanding of others, and their impulse control,and a propensity toward fearlessness, and risk taking behavior.
Though from birth a young psychopath is a potential danger, their upbringing has much more of a determinant factor in what they become . A child with such a condition raised, in a warm caring, environment with parents active in their lives, often grow up to become very successful in fields such a business, their lack of empathy allows, them to make decisions, such as terminations, easily, the very basis of psychopathy is a form of self gratification, therefore they often relish in that which gives, this individual a sense of power and meaning .
These individuals often have a hard time, fitting, in they may seek out isolation in which fantasy becomes their escape, they often adopt anti social characteristics, they ignore rules and boundaries, with any given success, In many cases they adopt narcissistic traits, which is found within the spectrum pf psychopathy.
However, if you take that same child and expose them to emotional cold, turmoil, violence, sexual situations at a young age, allow that individual to delve into their fantasies, primarily in a period of isolation, you have a VERY VERY dangerous situation .
Red flags should never be ignored, in the "happy" version of Lionel's case, he tried to bury what he was seeing right before his very eyes because in his words, he felt guilty about how Jeff was treated by both his parents , so he indulged his sons odd behavior, he made excuses for Jeff throughout his life and in the end 17 people (that we know of) lost their lives
However some who knew the family felt this was just an excuse, (detect a theme?) saying that Lionel Dahmer actually had little to do with his son outside of apparently teaching him to butcher roadkill, which some say wasn't to bond with his son, but to give him something to do as he was often off chasing women which were part of his mothers psychological episodes. Lionel was quick to make excuses for the boy so as to avoid any embarrassment, or legal issues.
Starting at age 12, Jeffrey was known to have a drinking problem, (risk taking behavior/Antisocial behavior) it persisted throughout his life, he would show up drunk to school, in some cases, he was caught drinking in class.
Hiding his homosexuality in a time, where that was shunned, Jeffrey drew in further
During a period just prior to graduation, Jeffrey was left in his home alone (isolation) which is when he committed his first murder
Getting away with that murder gave Jeffrey what he wanted, a sense of not only possession of another, but he knew he could get away with it (Gratification)
He had very few friends, beyond acquaintances (Isolation/Hard time fitting in), who almost only liked Jeff because he was reckless (risk taking behavior/Gratification seeking)
The hardest part as a parent is accepting something may be wrong with our own child, but never should a blind eye be turned, to glaring problems despite any potential embarrassment.