From The Conversation · David DeMatteo · · 1m 10s
Why R.C. Horsch wasn't identified as psychopath in 1980s
Philly forensic psychologist explains why 1980s evaluation missed psychopathic traits in R.C. Horsch.
In brief
Philly forensic psychologist explains why 1980s evaluation missed psychopathic traits in R.C. Horsch. R.C. Horsch's 1980s psych evaluation didn't identify psychopathy due to unavailable tools at the time. Originally reported by The Conversation.
R.C. Horsch case
Philadelphia police suspect five women linked to R.C. Horsch's home are dead, two missing.
Horsch's psych evaluation
R.C. Horsch underwent a 1985 federal psychological evaluation after counterfeiting conviction.
Psychopathy definition
Psychopathy is not in DSM-5 but related to antisocial personality disorder in current diagnostic systems.
Psychopathy traits
Psychopathy includes pathological lying, extreme narcissism, shallow affect, impulsivity and lack of empathy.
Psychopathy assessment tools
Psychopathy checklist-revised (PCL-R) was developed in 1991, not available in 1980s.
1985 evaluation findings
Psychologist described Horsch as grandiose, mistrustful, suspicious and excessively controlling.
“grandiose, mistrustful, suspicious and excessively controlling”
Why psychopathy missed
1980s evaluations couldn't identify psychopathy due to unavailable assessment tools.
Psychopathy and serial killers
Serial killers like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer are suspected to have psychopathic traits.
Psychopathy research
Research shows psychopathy evidence used in courts to justify harsher sentences.
What happens next
Early identification of psychopathy could prevent escalation of violent behavior.
The key point
R.C. Horsch's 1980s psych evaluation didn't identify psychopathy due to unavailable tools at the time.
