A prominent psychotherapist believes Jodi Arias, who is currently on trial for the murder of her former lover, Arizona man Travis Alexander, is likely a sociopath who possibly suffers from borderline personality disorder. This according to a March 27, 2013 report Dr. Stacy Kaiser wrote for HLN.
Arias, 32, is charged with the brutal 2008 murder of Alexander, 30. He was stabbed over two dozen times, was shot in the head, and his throat was slashed. She claims she killed him in self-defense, but during the trial Arias has testified she does not remember much about the deadly confrontation.
View slideshow: Photos of Jodi Arias and Travis Alexander, the Former Boyfriend She Admits Killing, Saying She Was Forced to Do So
Defense expert, psychologist Richard Samuels, has testified that he diagnosed Arias as suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and amnesia.
Kaiser notes she has not met or treated Arias, but comes to her conclusions from observing the case. She agreed in part with Samuels assertions that the accused murderer may suffer from PTSD, writing, “It is even possible to suffer from PTSD after a person premeditates and initiates a killing.”
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This includes experiencing depression, anxiety, nightmares, and memory loss, according to Kaiser.
She asserts that although sociopaths lack empathy, they are not consistently without emotion and may be perceived as friendly and charming. These individuals also “have a grandiose sense of self” are “…impulsive and manipulative… are pathological liars… emotionally vacant… show no signs of guilt or remorse…” Kaiser wrote.
View slideshow: Graphic Crime Scene Photos in Jodi Arias Case
As far as borderline personality disorder, the psychotherapist explained a person who suffers from such a malady has “unstable relationships and fear of abandonment or rejection…” This makes these individuals more prone to suicide or violent behavior—causing him or her to target the person perceived as responsible for such feelings.
The prosecution in the case has argued that Arias is extremely manipulative, and feared that Alexander was planning to cut ties with her, thus causing her to react violently toward him.
If convicted of the crime, Arias could be sentenced to death.
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