"Adolf Hitler was 'probably a neurotic psychopath bordering on schizophrenia' " (1943 report)

[steve2470]

Last edited Fri Aug 23, 2013, 04:53 AM - Edit history (1)

In a report prepared for the Office of Strategic Services in 1943, Walter C. Langer suggested Adolf Hitler was "probably a neurotic psychopath bordering on schizophrenia",[27] although the term had a broader meaning at the time.[citation needed] However, clinical forensic psychologist Glenn Walters argues that Hitler's actions do not warrant a diagnosis of psychopathy, that Hitler was not always egocentric, callously disregarding of feelings or lacking impulse control, and that there is no proof he couldn't learn from mistakes—though he did show several characteristics of criminality.[28]

Wiki

Of course, these days the description in the subject line is not used. The threads on the killers of the 89 year old man and the Australian man sparked this thread.

eta: The neurotic descriptor is no longer used in psychiatry (generally) 70 years later. It's pretty obvious psychiatry has come a long way towards better clinical precision in 70 years. The only part of the subject line I can agree with, is the psychopath part.

[Revanchist]

1. I've always heard the theory that is was mental illness brought on by contracting syphilis. N/T

[steve2470]

2. I had heard that too

He was a real bastard from way back, of course.

[LuvNewcastle]

3. Some personality types simply don't know how to handle power.

If events in Germany hadn't happened in the particular way they did, Hitler would probably have led a fairly average life. I doubt he would ever have been a murderer or any kind of serious criminal if he'd never had any power over others. It's as if the stars aligned in an auspicious way at the absolute worst time for the worst person.

[BainsBane]

4. psychopathy and schizophrenia aren't related

And a neurotic is the opposite of a psychopath. That looks like nonsense.

[steve2470]

5. very old fashioned language and concepts, no longer used of course

The description is a good example of why psychiatry has had to tighten up their terms and concepts.