Amok syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment

disorders such as schizophrenia, the anxiety disorders, the major depression or the obsessive-compulsive disorder they are widely known by the vast majority of the population.

These are conditions that occur consistently in the vast majority of cultures on the planet, occasionally varying their manifestations but presenting distinctive patterns for the majority.

However, not all mental disorders are so common. There are some syndromes and disorders that are considered to appear specifically in certain cultures, linked to their beliefs and lifestyles. One of these cases is known as Amok syndrome, or homicidal madness..

A rare disorder: exploring Amok Syndrome

Amok syndrome is a very rare disorder whose The main characteristic is the appearance of an outbreak of wild fury that induces the subject to murderous behavior., causing murder or serious injury with intent to kill everyone the subject encounters.

This outbreak or episode appears in an apparently random way, without there being any phenomenon that causes the attack. Said episode usually ends with the death of the subject, being produced either by the subject's suicide or by the fact of being killed in order to stop the attack.

It has also been observed that in many cases individuals with this syndrome present a series of prodromes or symptoms that indicate the possible future presence of the disorder. Specifically moderate depression, isolation, and a high level of fatigue are common.

In cases where the subject presenting with Amok syndrome survives, the presence of amnesia has been observed. lacunar (that is, they do not remember the homicidal episode) and a high level of fatigue and exhaustion, both physical and mental.

It is a syndrome traditionally linked to culture, visualized and described for the first time in the Malay population. Historically it has also been associated with other cultures, as in the case of the Viking berserker warriors, who were known to go into a rage in battle during which they attacked both enemies and allies with special ferocity and resistance to pain.

Etiology (causes) of Amok

The causes of this disorder are not yet well known, due to its low general prevalence and the fact that A large part of those affected end up dying, either by suicide or by being killed to end their life. performance.

However, it is pointed out that for the Malay population this syndrome was considered a response to frustration and humiliation. Likewise, the religious beliefs of this population, which included the ideas of possession by of spirits, facilitates the suggestion and presence of this type of performance, as well as a magical interpretation of the freak.

It has also been detected that the presence of chronic physical disorders is relatively common in subjects with Amok syndrome, and it is not totally ruled out that it happens during an episode of poisoning by substances. Specifically, it has been observed that in the Indonesian regions where this disorder was detected, consumption by both adults and infants of Brugmansia suaveolens or floripon, which is used as a sedative as well as to prepare drinks hallucinogenic.

A disorder not as culture-specific as once thought

Although considered a culture-bound disorder, Amok syndrome has been seen in recent times expanded and exported to a more global level, being associated by some experts with multiple recent mass murders. However, it is not clear to what extent this is due to cultural exchange, since one cannot separate the increasing scope of globalization from other factors that could also explain this freak.

Typical profile of the affected

It has been previously mentioned that Amok syndrome is a very rare disorder and difficult to see in the population. However, the serious implications and consequences of this syndrome have led to the study of both this disorder and the characteristics of those who suffer from it, with which common patterns have been visualized in the subjects who have suffered it.

Generally, the subjects in whom this syndrome arises are usually males, usually young, who present a shy, introverted and unexpressive personality. They are usually subjects who present a high level of vital inhibition and sometimes feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration. It is common that throughout their lives they have experienced some type of traumatic experience that is unbearable for them.

The presence of a very long history of harassment in time, as in the case of the bullying, or violence within the family is a frequent element found in subjects who have suffered from this disorder, suggesting that the suffering of the outbreak may be due to sequelae of these phenomena that arise causing anger murderer.

Increased prevalence

In recent times, an increase in the prevalence of Amok syndrome has been detected. This is due to the well-known call effect, through which the observation of certain cases and their consequences can cause other people to imitate the actions of these subjects.

Thus, there is a learning of a form of behavior that it is possible that the subjects did not have with previously, being able to value and desire the level of social attention that they observe for themselves themselves. The same phenomenon has been observed in cases of gender violence, suicides, vandalism and even homicides or terrorism.

Crimes Apparently Associated with Amok Syndrome

Amok syndrome is an extremely rare and unusual disorder, but the fact that it can cause the commission of mass murders has promoted many known massacres to be linked to this syndrome.

Some known cases that have been associated with this disorder are the following:

1. Columbine massacre

On April 20, 1999, this well-known massacre took place. In it, two students stormed the Columbine High School premises, killing 15 people and injuring 24 others before both perpetrators committed suicide.

2. Virginia Tech massacre

Another massacre or mass murder that has been linked to Amok syndrome. In this case, which occurred in 2007, the subject involved murdered thirty-two people before committing suicide.

3. Massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

In this well-known case that occurred in 2012, a teenager killed a total of twenty children and seven adults, shortly before committing suicide.

4. Munich shooting

In July of this same year 2016, a young man with no apparent connection to terrorist organizations carried out a massacre where nine people lost their lives and another twenty-seven were injured. The perpetrator of the act would end his life shortly after.

Caution when linking blood crimes to this syndrome

It must be taken into account that in many of the cases cited, the person had prior intent and planning before carrying out their attack. The definition of the disorder does not indicate that it is a premeditated act, so it is debatable that these massacres are due to the presence of Amok syndrome. Despite this, in the opinion of many professionals, the characteristics of these homicidal behaviors can be linked to this disorder.

The association of this disorder with violent crime has led to some killings and murders being considered committed for no apparent reason have been deemed to be due to Amok syndrome, such as the hearings previously. However It must be taken into account that most crimes are committed by people without any mental pathology, whether or not their actions have a clear objective for others, so the subject must be treated with caution and not err on the side of reductionist considering that all apparently unjustified blood crimes are due to Amok or other syndromes or diseases mental.

The murders, many in most cases, are explained not by situations related to mental disorders, delusions and hallucinations, but by contexts in which a conflict has gradually escalated, situations in which there is organized crime, or because of some kind of ideological and discriminatory indoctrination.

Treatment

Because it is an extremely rare phenomenon and is also characterized by being sudden and unexpected, the only immediate treatments are based on the physical containment of the patient for the duration of the episode. It is important to do it keeping in mind that the only objective is that no one receives damage, so punishment or any act of revenge, of course, is superfluous.

However, it is in preventive work where greater efficiency could be found and where massacres can be avoided. Treatment of possible psychological and social conditions that may lead to outbreaks of this type may be essential. Thus, loyalty to the follow-up of psychological and pharmacological treatments is important.

Bibliographic references:

• World Health Organization. (1992). International Classification of Diseases- Tenth Revision. Madrid: WHO.

• Soffsky, W. (2004). Horrifying times. Amok, violence, war. Madrid: Editorial Siglo XXI.

• Westermeyer, J. (1972). A comparison of Amok and another homicide in Laos. American Journal of Psychiatry, 129: 703-709.