Are serial killers addicted to murder?

Mainstream Mental Health Radio

Are serial killers addicted to murder? Joni E. Johnston, Psy.D, is a forensic psychologist and private investigator who has done criminal and civil work since 1991. She has worked in a maximum security prison and has consulted with organizations on harassment/discrimination complaints. She is also an active writer, having published numerous articles and books, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Psychology, 4th Edition. Dr. Johnston welcome to the program. Based on your research, why do you think many of the most notorious serial killers couldn’t stop killing? Do you think that men & women who go to war can be prone to develop an addiction to killing even when they return to civilization? What typically happens to the brain of a person who is taking the life of another? How can bipolar disorder or depression affect the degree to which a person can become addicted to killing?