Having thoughts of killing someone? You could have The "Serial Killer" genes.

 

Yes, you heard me right. Serial killer genes do exist and that could be the reason you feel like butchering someone. Many serial killers have been found to have this genes in their DNA.

What are the serial killer genes?

MAOA and CDH13 genes are commonly referred to "serial killer" genes.

Dutch geneticist Han Brunner conducted a breakthrough study in 1933 that concluded the low-acting version of monoamine oxidase A, or MAOA, was associated with violence in humans. MAOA, also known as the “warrior gene,” codes for the enzyme monoamine oxidase-A. This enzyme is responsible and involved in the removal and breakdown of the neurotransmitters serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. Signals transmitted by serotonin regulate mood, emotion, sleep and appetite, while epinephrine and norepinephrine control the body’s response to stress. 

It is important to understand that  people who have experienced childhood trauma or abuse and hold these specific violent genes in their DNA are much more likely to behave violently than others without childhood trauma.

However, there were a few issues that arose from the Han's study. It failed to fully establish that the MAOA gene moderated the relationship between an abusive childhood and antisocial behavior.

In another study, Professor Jari Tiihonen from Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience analyzed the genes of 895 Finnish criminals. The study categorized each criminal as violent or non-violent based on their offenses. The association between genes and aggressive behavior was strongest for the 78 criminals who fit the extremely violent offender profile. 

The group he studied “had committed a total of 1,154 murders, manslaughters or attempted homicides.” The study concluded that all the offenders carried a low-activity version of the MAOA gene, which was a pivotal discovery and moved this investigation forward.

The results from the two independent cohorts of Finnish prisoners revealed that the low activity genotype MAOA, which “contributed to a low dopamine turnover rate,” as well as the CDH13 gene (coding for neuronal membrane adhesion protein), are both associated with extremely violent behavior. At least 10 of the prisoners who had any of these genes committed homicides or attempted homicides.

The studies developed a pattern that most serial killers had both the MAOA and CDH13 genes. However, having one of the genes is not convincing enough to prove an individual is a serial killer.

 

In 2018, Bradley Waldroup shot his wife’s friend eight times. Then he attacked his wife with a machete. His wife survived. Her friend did not. His defense team took a scientific assessment and he was discovered to have the MAOA genes. And due to his experienced abuse as a child he followed a violent path. After 11 hours of deliberation, the jury had reached a decision: voluntary manslaughter, not murder.

In summary, a person with the genes and childhood trauma is a perfect combination of a murderer.

Does being born with MAOA and CDH13 genes means you're a serial killer?

Being be born with the genes doesn't automatically imply that you're a serial killer. People born with these genes only account less than 10% of the murders committed. Scientists have also known rare cases of people with the genes living a peaceful life. If you happen to have the genes just know you can live a normal life. And should you have any disturbing intrusive thoughts, it may be best to seek appropriate resources and guidance,for instance a support group. It may be also prudent to participate in other activities that may take your mind off things.

MAOA AND CDH13 GENES DO NOT DEFINE YOU BUT YOU DO.

Feel free to share this message of peace.