THE BERSERK SYNDROME - A REVIEW OF MASS MURDER

In discussing the problem of mass murder an ever increasing expression of violence in society, the typology of the perpetrators of such crim es is presented. Illustrations of some of the most notorious killers a re provided and the unique case of a mass murderer who left, as a suic ide ''note,'' a videotaped soliloquy is presented. The dynamics of mas s murder and of mass murder-suicide are discussed; the killings are vi ewed as the outcome of deep frustration and perceived rejection in a h ighly narcissistic person, wounded in his ego, hostile towards society , and in search of identity and notoriety through a cathartic self ass ertion. Similarities are shown between the mass murderer and the mytho logical Norse ''berserk'' and it is speculated that the superman compl ex may be at the core of the killer's behavior It is contended that th e personal psychopathology of the killer is determinant of the destruc tive behavior although social factors are highly contributory. (C) 199 7 Elsevier Science Ltd.