Psychopathology of terrorists

Abstract

Terrorist behavior represents a subtype of human aggression probably determined by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, as well as by peculiar environmental influences and group dynamics. As regards terrorists' psychological characteristics, the available studies (mostly carried out with no sound scientific design) have failed to identify the common or typical pathological personality traits of modern terrorists. The popular opinion that terrorists must be insane or psychopathic is still widespread; however, no evidence exists that terrorist behavior may be caused either by prior or current psychiatric disorders or psychopathy. Not surprisingly, some theories have proposed social factors and non-pathological psychological traits as predisposing elements for terrorist acts, but they generally lack of empirical validation. Moreover, most of these theories do not explain why, even if so many people are exposed to the same social factors or show the same psychological traits, only a tiny minority of them join a terrorist group. Therefore, it is mandatory that systematic and scientific investigations be carried out in order to understand the possible bases for terrorist aggression, including the early detection of possibly associated psychopathology, and to design an appropriate counterterrorism prevention policy. Clinical Implications' In the data of the available literature, there is no significant evidence of a link between psychopathology and terrorism.' Even if the presence of a mental disorder is detected in a terrorist, it cannot be concluded that the disorder was the cause rather than a consequence of terrorist activity.' Systematic and scientific investigations are needed in order to understand the bases for terrorist aggression and to design an appropriate counterterrorism policy.

Religious Radicalization and Lone‐Actor Terrorism: A Matter for Psychiatry?

“…Contrary to popular belief, there is no obvious link between radicalization, the participation in terrorist actions, and psychopathology of the axis I of DSM‐5 .…”

“…Early studies from the 1970s and 1980s stated that individuals engaging in terrorist actions must be considered “insane” and had most likely developed a mental disorder prior to committing a terrorist act . However, these studies were carried out with a low level of evidence and results were often not statistically significant .…”

“…Most studies on terrorism are in agreement that a unique profile of what constitutes a "terrorist" does not exist (7,9,10), but rather that we can observe a "spectrum of terrorist minds" (10, page 7). While this heterogeneity is observed among members of terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists more often share identifiable characteristics (11).…”

“…Similarly, there is no consensual definition of the term “terrorism” , given it encompasses and refers to a wide variety of motivations, actions, and individuals. This article will define terrorism broadly as “the calculated use of unexpected, shocking, and unlawful violence against noncombatants in order to intimidate a government or civilian population to accept demands on behalf of an underlying ideology or cause” (, page 142).…”

Commentary letter on: “The mind of suicide terrorists” and “Psychopathology of terrorists”

“…4 It is difficult to propose a unique profile of the modern terrorist, as it depends on the spirit of time and is due to the prevailing socio-cultural and political context that is constantly changing. 1 According to us, the main factor favoring the transformation of "normal" individuals in terrorists might be an intrinsic vulnerable basis, coupled with a socio-cultural and political context favoring the claim of what are considered their rights and aims. As a result, these subjects find a sense of identity and belonging in groups, especially if they feel isolated, excluded and misunderstood (those coming from a low social class or with a low education level), or are convinced to be superior to those who do not share what they feel (those with a high standard of education and a good social standing).…”