Title: Serial Killers | Psychology Today
Headings: 
Contents
Understanding Serial Killers
What defines a serial killer?
What’s the difference between a serial killer and a mass killer?
Are there serial killers everywhere in the world?
Are there different types of serial killers?
The Psychology of Serial Killers
Are serial killers mentally ill?
Are all serial killers psychopaths?
Are serial killers intelligent?
Are serial killers born or made?
Are there early signs of a serial killer?
Can women be serial killers?
How are female serial killers different from male serial killers?
Why We’re Fascinated with Serial Killers
Why am I so obsessed with serial killers?
Why are there so many books, movies, TV shows, and podcasts about serial killers?
What are common myths about serial killers?
Why do women fall in love with serial killers?
How do serial killers affect society?

Content: Created with Sketch. Serial killers are categorized by motivation. Visionary killers believe they are being “ordered” to commit murder by God or another entity; these killers may have schizophrenia or experience a psychotic break shortly before committing their crimes. Mission-oriented serial killers consider it their “duty” to rid the world of certain people—sex workers, for instance. Hedonistic killers derive pleasure from killing, either sexual or thrill-based. Other serial killers are driven by a need for power and/or control. article continues after advertisement
The Psychology of Serial Killers
Criminal psychologists, law enforcement agencies, and the general public have long been interested in what motivates serial killers to commit their terrible crimes. Because most “normal” people could never imagine doing the same, another question that draws serious interest is whether or not serial killers can be said to suffer from severe mental illness that severs their contact with reality. But while some serial killers did appear to undergo psychotic breaks that triggered their crimes, overall, serial killers have rarely been found to be legally insane.