Base Instincts : What Makes Killers Kill?

A groundbreaking exploration of the origins of violent behavior. Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Andrew Cunnanenthese notorious killers shocked the world with horrifying stories of rampant murder and abuse. Neurologist Jonathan Pincus probed the lives of numerous serial killers and other violent criminals to find out what triggers the violent instinct. Working with psychiatrist Dorothy Lewis, he investigated their family backgrounds and medical history, discovering that virtually all the murderers themselves suffered severe abuse as children, which permanently damaged their developing brains. In these gripping, terrifying stories, Dr. Pincus finds that violent criminal behavior cannot be attributed solely to geneticsrather, it is the catastrophic product of a brain that may be predisposed to violence by neurologic damage and mental illness coupled with an abusive environment. Focusing on these critical factors, how can we identify potentially violent persons from a young age before the damage becomes irrevocable? How can we rehabilitate violent criminals and at the same time safeguard against their committing future crimes?

Jonathan H. Pincus, M.D. is chief of neurology at the Veteran's Administration Hospital, Washington, D.C., and professor of neurology at Georgetown University School of Medicine.