# 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.
- Title: Why R.C. Horsch wasn't identified as psychopath in 1980s
- Summary: Philly forensic psychologist explains why 1980s evaluation missed psychopathic traits in R.C. Horsch. R.C. Horsch's 1980s psych evaluation didn't identify…
- Keywords: r.c. horsch, psychopathy, philadelphia police, forensic psychology, serial killer, antisocial personality disorder, dsms, science, ideas, Horsch, wasn't, identified
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/im-a-philly-forensic-psychologist-who-has-conducted-dozens-of-psychopathic-evaluations-heres-why-an-evaluation-of-r-c-horsch-in-the-80s-didnt-identify-him-as-a-possible-psychopath-294035
- Author: David DeMatteo
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: r.c. horsch, psychopathy, philadelphia police, forensic psychology, serial killer, antisocial personality disorder, dsms, science, ideas
## 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.
## Key takeaway

R.C. Horsch's 1980s psych evaluation didn't identify psychopathy due to unavailable tools at the time.