Why is Casey Anthony so coldhearted and cavalier about her missing daughter Caylee?
Casey Anthony has finally been indicted for the first-degree murder of her daughter, Caylee Anthony. Casey is a sociopathic, superficial sensationalist. To a mental health professional, she fits the description of someone with an antisocial personality disorder - just a fancy name for "sociopath."…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - emg
Hey All- I need your feedback on this- How about the $2 Million deal that Lifetime TV has allgedly offered the Anthony Clan? Could that be what is continues to drive Cindy's mania - her continual and annoying spew of nonsensical and mindless garbage as Pamela put it? It is obvious by the appearance of their "Florida Home" home which lacks basic care and landscape value,that they are in need of the cash that Casey has clearly bled them dry of (as sociopaths do) over the last 3 years! A New York area bondsman friend of mine SAYS THIS CASE SCREAMS HELP WE NEED $$$ and he'd not touch this one with a 10 foot pole. Could the Anthonys be aware of what evil has happened to Caylee and are just looking to cash in? UGH!
27 - Spacely
Juliann,
Given that Casey does exhibit all the outward signs of a sociopath, do you believe that the media labelling her as such (right or wrong) has a negative impact on her ability to have a fair trial?
I personally believe she is guilty of at least manslaughter, but since I have only the facts as released by the media, I remain aware that the underlying premise of our legal system, that every accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, must be maintained at all costs for the sake of each of our personal freedoms.
I think in a case like this, it is far too public and creates too much empathy from all people who care about children for the media and public not to discuss it through the medium of newspapers and television. But, does that undermine Casey's individual right to a fair and impartial jury, as well as having an adverse effect on all of our rights, as a chip into the foundation weakens the entire structure?
Thanks
28 - Tammy
Dr. Mitchell,
How would her behavior differ if she had DID as opposed to Anti-Social Personality Disorder?
29 - Dee
I'm sorry to disagree with you, but I never have referred to my daughter with any derogatory names. Even through her teen years when we went through Hell.
30 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi Everyone,
I will answer each question please be patient with me as I need time and thought to respond to the posts.
Dee-- please not that calling a child a "snot nose" is not a sign of sociopathism. However it is not appropriate, nurturing, or supportive parenting.
I am glad that you were able to naviagate the challenges of raising a teenager with maturity and love. Good for you! As parenting can be both a gift and a challenge.
Spacely--I agree that it will probably be difficult for Casey to get a fair trial in the sense that almost everyone in the country has seen, heard, and read about the case. However the defense attorneys are well aware of these challenges and they are involved in jury selection. Is it possible that there are some individuals who can be objective and only convict if there is enough evidence to support the charges? One is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Emg--I didnt hear about the deal from Lifetime TV so I honestly cannot comment other than to say it must be tempting (if it's true) especially if one has little to no money to pay a defense team of lawyers for one's daughter. From what I have seen and read I do not think the Anthony's have a lot of money.
Juliann
31 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Tammy,
this link. If you have any other questions please feel free to aak and I will try to answer them as best I can.
Great question, thanks for asking.
The person with Antisocial Personality Disorder does not have more than one distinct personality although they can act in different manners with different people in different situations. They do not have more than one distinct personality that lives within themselves.
A person with Dissociative Identity Disorder has more than two distinct personalities who live within them. These personalities have their own likes, dislikes, characteristics, etc. These other personalities will at times "take over and control" the person's behavior. The other personalities may or may not be aware of one another. There is an inability to remember important events that are not due to a medical condition. DID is not due to a substance such as blackouts during Alcohol Intoxication or a medical condition such as a seizure.
For a more complete description of DID click on
Juliann
32 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Here is the link for the DID article.
Juliann
33 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Pamela, Deb, and Denise,
Thanks to the three of you for your posts bringing to our attention what role Cindy Anthony has played in all of this with Casey and Caylee.
A couple of thoughts come to mind. I truly do not have enough information about Cindy or George Anthony to make too many comments.
Yes I have read some of the transcripts of Cindy's interviews with law enforcement and I have seen her interviewed on tv. There does seem to be tremendous denial on her part about what has happened to Caylee and the role her daughter seems to have played in all it especially Casey's lying repeatedly to authorities.
The most interesting phenomenon that I noticed is that Cindy Anthony is the person who called 911 to report that Caylee, her granddaughter was missing. Cindy also said it smelled like a dead body in her car pointing the finger at her daughter, Casey. So essentially she blew the whistle on her daughter. Now Cindy is defending her daughter to the nth degree. Lots of mixed messages. Was that the norm when Casey was growing up, i.e. "You are bad. . .You are good. . .You are wrong . . .You are right" We dont have enough information and I won't take a guess because it's unfair to do so.
It also seems to me that there is very little information on George Anthony. What role has he played throughtout this entire process and throughout Casey's childhood? He seems to be the unknown person. Why is that? Cindy is taking a lot of heat but what about George? I do know he testified at the Grand Jury.
Deb,
You asked about sociopaths receiving treatment. I have personally known and had dealings with three sociopaths in my life. None had ever received treatment of any sort nor had any interest in understanding or changing their behaviors. I knew these three socially and they liked themselves just fine.
Usually the only time a sociopath receives any kind of mental health services is when they are processed into the criminal justice system. Sociopaths do not seek therapy of any sort. Remember they do not think they need to change anything and they are the victims.
Thanks so much to all of you for taking time to share what you are thinking!
Juliann
34 - Jill from Western Australia
CAYLEE is missing - presumed dead - CASEY DOESN'T CARE - what part of this don't you understand????
35 - Eve
I haven't read all the comments here but I am wondering if Cindy or George or anyone else in her family have ever been asked how Casey paid for her "nanny" if she hadn't been working for the past 2 years? Have the police asked her about that does anyone know? If she indeed had a nanny wouldn't she have receipts from paying the woman? Since Casey's parents seem to believe her story I am wondering how they have answered that question.
36 - ilene
I have become somewhat obsessed with this case possibly because I cant fathom Caseys attitude about her child and Cindy's attitude about her grandchild. I have a 7 month old grandson (my first) and I can guarantee that if he disappeared I would not stop at anything to find him, ever. Casey would not get away from me until she told me or took me to my grandchild, I would be the first one helping the police to get the truth. I also agree with the idea that Casey used chloroform to keep Caylee "quiet" while she partied , taking that astep further I think it may have been an accident that Caylee was killed by Casey during one of her nights out and then she did what any sociopath would do, got rid of the body and began the lies. I wonder how long this would have gone on if the Anthonys had not found out about the car being impounded? How long would Cindy have gone without seeing or speaking to her only grandchild? I just cant wrap my mind around any of it.
37 - Sherie
My opinion is that a great number of us have felt from day one that Caylee Anthony was "gotten rid of" by her mother. My concern here is that people like NANCY GRACE, etc., who should know better, gave Casey Anthony so much of what she wanted . . . ATTENTION. What about the other 11,000 - 12,000 children who are still missing in this country today, some for years . . . Don't they deserve some attention?
38 - Sarah A.
I completely agree with all of this and I’m surprised that people are fighting it a little.
I’m not a mother and I know nothing about raising a child or losing a child. Everyone reacts differently to all situations, but the lack of concern is what worries me and leads me to believe that she is responsible or knows who is responsible for her daughters disappearance. Tears aren’t the answer (although I know personally I’d be nothing but tears), but not reporting her missing and then when it finally is reported….lying? Why? No matter how bad the truth is, if your child is missing just tell the truth.
I personally believe she is responsible for this in some way, based on the very few things I know. I don’t know the whole story. I am however hoping to hear it some time soon. Casey Anthony’s lawyer said that with this case we (or the jury…..not sure who he is referring too) will hear what has happened and say to ourselves, “now I get it” or something to that effect.
Unless this is some elaborate set up and in reality Caylee was abducted by the mob (first crime organization that came to my head) and the police are using Casey so the mob doesn’t think the police really know what’s going on. I think that would be the only way I could look back and think….ok well now it all makes sense, but that seems like a lot of time money and effort to trick kidnappers into believing they are off the hook.
I saw a picture online of Casey with her friends wearing an American flag. She looked to be having a sensational time. I assumed this was a 4th of July party. There was no caption explaining when the event took place. It could have been years ago or Memorial Day (before Caylee went missing). I’m not really sure. But I’m guessing it was the 4th of July this year, weeks after her daughter went missing (why else would anyone want to see them….I figure its to show the lack of concern for her missing daughter). And I am supposed to think there is a logical reason that she didn’t tell anyone her child was missing?
To me in a strange way this case seems eerily similar to the Scott Peterson case (obviously not the same situation, just meaning a lot of unanswered questions and weird behavior). There may never be a real answer.
I just pray that she is found, whether it is to be reunited with her family or laid to rest.
But that’s just my opinion & how I see it. I haven’t done a lot of research or heard all the evidence. This is just my point of view from what I know.
39 - mike
very interesting reading.
having raised a relative's child with this behaviour, and having my best friend's daughter have this coupled with what's labled as OCD, I have great compassion for the adults in the situation trying to deal with this.
Add the sensationalism of Nancy Grace et al, it just feeds the sickness.
In our house, after counseling, arguments, lying, etc. etc., the child opted to move out as soon as was legal(here, even before High School graduation). Yes, the child finished school, (barely, but finished) and has been spiralling slowly down. We've had communication, but the young adult knows exactly what's required for assistance - and yes, it's been painful as we love this one dearly. Yet we will not enable nor rescue.
My buddy's daughter has made our experience a cakewalk. Counsel, doctors, hospitals, - back and forth between chemical imbalance, inherent behavioral wiring, and just plain amped up, willful, arrogant self-centeredness (we all have this to a degree).
He and his wife have also reached the wall - his young adult's actions have reasonably modified now that the consequences are hugely painful - (not as in physical/emotional, but situational). His young adult actully seems to be coming around, but it's been one hell of a ride. Same method-no enabling, no rescue.
Sadly, in this case, a baby girl is presumed dead.
40 - Lisa
I'm wondering what part, if any, the parents of a sociopath played throught his/her life. Unbelievably, Casey and Scott Peterson's parents protected them to the end. Conversely, Mark Hacking's family, although he was probably not considered a sociopath, forced him out and told the truth when the chips were down. Do George and Cindy Anthony play a role in Casey's actions?????????
41 - Marcia Neil
A sense of hopelessness and unbalanace is not necessarily sociopathic -- first the young woman loses her husband, now some kind of influence networking has claimed her daughter, as well. It is probable that the same influence network that hoped to promote her into their version of political-correctness is covering up their misdeeds with the 'sociopath' allegation --yet another case resulting from the same kind of networking that caused deadly incident/encounters in Topanga Canyon and elsewhere in CA then brought us the Manson conviction.
42 - Kate In NC
I'd like to know more about the success rate of treating and/or curing Sociopath Personality Disorder and what type of treatment is available - if any? Is the Mental Health Community reporting an increase in cases?
And is Passive-Aggressive behavior usually included in a typical Sociopath's well-stocked "bag of tricks"?
43 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi Denise,
Great question. Thanks for asking. You wondered about the causes of Antisocial Personality Disorder. Please know that the bulk of research that has been done on this disorder has been on prisoners, men and women who have been or are incarcerated. So that skews the data to begin with.
There does not appear to be one definitive reason or phenomenon that creates a sociopath. Some research indicates that certain sociopaths have brain damage and therefore cannot connect or empathize with others. Some studies suggest that in families where there is abuse, hostility, coldness, disconnectedness, and inconsistent parenting are more likely to produce an individual who is sociopathic. Other studies have shown that sociopaths have a tendency to produce sociopaths but in these homes are those behaviors innate or learned? Is it nature or nuture or a combination of both?
Every individual that could be given a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder has not come from a severely abusive sociopathic criminal environment. Please do not jump to conclusions about the famiies without having a great deal more information.
Remember sociopaths are in business (think Enron), politics,the military, etc. Sociopaths can be found in all occupations, most of them simply do not get caught, prosecuted and incarcerated.
Martha Stout wrote an excellent book entitled, "The Sociopath Next Door." It's on my bookshelf and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in knowing more.
None of can really know what's it like to live with a sociopath unless we have experienced it ourselves. Those who have could provide us with a wealth of information.
Juliann
44 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi Kate,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. The success in treating Antisocial Personality Disorder is low. Part of treatment is the person deciding to make changes in behaviors that are negatively impacting their life. They might not know how to do so, which is where the therapist comes in, but the desire to deal with themselves is evident. Keep in mind that a sociopath has no inclination to change anything about themself because remember they are not the problem, everyone else has the issues not them.
Juliann
45 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Mike,
Thanks so much for sharing a bit of what you and your family have dealt with. Sounds as if you have been through a great deal and there is no doubt dealing with this kind of situation can be exhausting. Hope you are being good to yourself.
Juliann
46 - RJ Elliott
Dr. Mitchell,
I might find your cyber-diagnosis a bit more credible if you didn't misspell the name of the university you allegedly received your PhD from on your online CV. Also, it would help if you didn't erroneously conflate the terms "sociopath" and "psychopath." And there's a typo in your writer bio as well. HTH.
47 - Char
Juliann,
This question/comment is related and not related in ways to the original article/post. I was wondering if a side effect of Methamphetamine addiction is this same Sociopathic, Narcissistic behavior? I went from having a loving, caring daughter to having a daughter that abandoned her children and that lies so bad you cannot believe anything that comes out of her mouth. She only cares about herself and could care less about anyone else. She is everything you described in a Sociopath. She is a master manipulator as well as a liar and it saddens me. She has been addicted for 5 years now and has lost all of her children and does not even seem to care as long as she can derive sympathy or get something out of it. I can in a way see why Cindy Anthony is in denial, it is hard for a loving Mother to understand why her own child cannot parent her children. But I fault Cindy Anthony for not seeing thru the lies, or not wanting to see thru the lies and deceptions to protect her grandchild.
Does anyone know if Casey Anthony has had any hair folicle drug testing done? It goes back for up to a year I believe.
Char
48 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Dear Mr.Elliott,
You are indeed correct I did not add an "h" to Pittsburgh in my online CV at www.etherapistsonline.com.
However I did graduate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1991 with a PhD in Psychology. Please feel free to contact the University and they can confirm.
I can call myself a psychologist because I am liscensed to do so. My liscense number is PS006986L in case you care. That is listed on my CV as well and yes I did get those numbers correct.
On some level I am highly amused that what you chose to focus on was not the quality or content of the article but on a typo or two in my online CV.
In terms of "conflating" the terms psychopath and sociopath I dont feel that this is even accurate. Throughout this opinion piece I consistently used the word sociopath not psychopath.
If you wish to quibble about the difference between sociopath and psychopath I encourage you to do so. Share your knowledge!
I stand by what I wrote about Antisocial Personality Disorder aka sociopathism. This article was not written for a research journal or a community of psychiatrists or psychologists. It was an opinion piece written for non-mental health people, the rest of the world.
Juliann
49 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Char,
I am so sorry for all that you and your family have been through. It sounds as if it has been heartbreaking for you and your family. All of this has to hurt.
It seems as if your daughter's behaviors are representative of someone who is addicted on all levels to a substance, in this case, methamphetamine. The only way to determine if she has an antisocial personality disorder is for her to get clean from the meth and then have her evaluated by a professional.
Addictions alter thoughts, feelings and behaviors of everyone who becomes addicted. Lying, stealing, etc. anything or anyone is fair game to get the monies to get the substance to get the high. Nothing else matters, not family, not friends, no-one.
Juliann
50 - RJ Elliott
Dr. Mitchell,
You wrote:
Casey is a sociopathic, superficial sensationalist. To a mental health professional, she fits the description of someone with an antisocial personality disorder - just a fancy name for "sociopath."
Then you wrote:
Psychopaths are superficially charming in their ongoing attempts to get their own way. Casey has the capacity to read others quickly and recognize their vulnerabilities. Once recognized, she knows how to exploit others' weaknesses. She seems to have no qualms about violating the rights of others. Casey stole her friend's checkbook and wiped out her bank account, and not a cent of the money was spent on Caylee.
And then you wrote:
It is typical for sociopaths to engage in illegal or deceitful behaviors. Compulsive lying is the norm. Guilt and remorse are not in their vocabulary. All sociopaths are incapable of feeling sorrow or sadness for their wrongdoings and destructive behaviors. Any tears you might see are for themselves. “I am crying because I got caught, not because I am sorry for anything I have said or done.” On some level, a sociopath takes perverse pleasure in getting away with illegal, irresponsible behaviors. Yes, a sociopath takes great joy in taking from others. "Joy" is the correct word.
So it appears you are using the terms interchangeably. But while sociopathy and psychopathy are both considered antisocial personality disorders, they are not synonymous.
For example, sociopathy tends to be caused by environmental factors, while psychopathy is more likely to be caused by hereditary/genetic factors. Dr. David T. Lykken of the University of Minnesota has published landmark research that supports this thesis.
Put another way, psychopaths are impulsive, risk-taking and -seeking, averse to following accepted social norms, and nearly fearless pretty much from birth. Sociopaths may display similar personality characteristics; however, they tend to exhibit these antisocial traits after they have suffered some form of neglect or abuse, or have been immersed in poverty, a gang culture, or otherwise rely almost solely on delinquent peers and/or role models/authority figures.
In short, psychopaths are born, and sociopaths are made. That may seem like a pedantic point to make, but remember that the nature/nurture dichotomy lies at the heart of nearly all social science research, study, and debate.
51 - Kate In NC
Dr. Mitchell,
I find your comments as well as those by most of the contributers absolutely fascinating.
I realize how busy you must be but please consider writing a book about this subject highlighting recent cases. (Casey Anthony, Scott Peterson, Neil Entwistle, Mark Hacking, etc.) There is a tremendous desire by the public to understand this personality type. Unfortunately, all too many of us have experienced these monsters firsthand. (I believe it's more common than most people realize. It just goes unreported because of enabling and cover-ups due to shame & embarrassment by the family.) The rest are simply fascinated.
Please consider writing a book. I can promise you I'll be the first in line for it! And thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.
All The Best,
~Kate
52 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Mr. Elliott,
The correct diagnostic term for sociopath/psychopath at the moment is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). This is according to the Diagnostic Bible of mental health professionals - the DSM IV TR. There is no differentiation based on whether the person was born with it or it is learned behavior. This may or may not change in the future but the only current diagnosis for psychopath/sociopath is ASPD.
One of my favorite researcher/writer is Dr. Theodore Millon who has spent decades writing and researching personality disorders. Below is his quote on Antisocial Personality Disorder,
"The psychopath and sociopath are probably best viewed as existing on a continuum. Development is always an interaction between the individual and social environment. Thus some psychopaths receive defective parenting and maltreatment from infancy, like the sociopath, whereas others come from loving homes. Likewise, some sociopaths could possess a biological predisposition to the disorder perhaps through an irritable temperament, for example, but nevertheless experience incredible levels of neglect and abuse. The pure psychopath and pure sociopath , then are really just abstractions, not mutually exclusive syndromes. For any given individual the focus is not, 'Which one?' Instead, understanding the particular person requires understanding the interaction of biological and social influences, starting at conception and running across the life span" (Personality Disorders In Modern Life, 2000,153-154.
Millon has gone so far as to suggest there are five categories of ASPD: covetous, reputation defending, risk-taking, nomadic and malevolent.
However I think I missed the boat the first time by not asking you what have your personal/professional experiences been in dealing with someone who has ASPD. Shame on me I should have caught this with your initial post. People do not respond/reply to articles unless the topic strikes a nerve with them.
With best wishes,
Juliann
53 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi Kate,
Thank youb for your kind words. I appreciate your vote of confidence. I honestly dont think I have anything new to contribute on this disorder. But if you are interested here are some titles that would provide a good read on this subject.
Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us by Robert D. Hare.
The Psychopath: Emotion and the Brain by James Blair, Derek Mitchell, and Karina Blair.
Unmasking the Psychopath: Antisocial Personality and Related Syndromes (A Norton professional book).
The Psychopath's Bible: For the Extreme Individual by Christopher S. Hyatt, Jack, Dr. Willis, Christopher S. Hyatt.
The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout
Women Who Love Psychopaths by Sandra L.Brown, M.A., Liane J. Leedom, and M.D.
Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work by Paul Babiak and Robert D. Hare.
Thinking About Psychopaths and Psychopathy: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions With Case Examples by Ellsworth Lapham Fersch
World's Most Evil Psychopaths: Horrifying True-Life Cases by John Marlowe
Have a great day,
Juliann
54 - Mindy
Dr. Mitchell,
You wrote: "Yes I have read some of the transcripts of Cindy's interviews with law enforcement and I have seen her interviewed on tv. There does seem to be tremendous denial on her part about what has happened to Caylee and the role her daughter seems to have played in all it especially Casey's lying repeatedly to authorities."
That is the only thing you've written I disagree with. It is patently obvious that Cindy is not in denial at all; what she is, is a liar and manipulator. She knows her granddaughter is dead; and she knows exactly what her daughter is and what she is capable of. She even called her a "sociopath" and was in the process of kicking Casey out of her home and starting adoption proceedings. Her "Casey is a wonderful mom" and "Caylee is still alive" mantra is just a steaming pile. She doesn't believe it. What she wants now is money. She is doing everything she can to keep the money rolling in (the latest interview with Meredith Viera netted her five grand). I suppose she figures that her life is destroyed; her precious granddaughter is dead and her daughter is probably going to end up in jail or strapped to a table with a needle in her arm. The family has been deeply in debt; this is a ticket out. Sure the money is soaked in blood, but money can soothe a lot of pain.
The Anthonys--every single one of them--are beyond vile. They are like scuttling cockroaches that scatter quickly after the light is suddenly turned on.
Thank you for an excellent article about sociopathy. As an educated man, I am sure you know sociopaths have been known to fool even the most aware and trained professionals. They're very good at aping emotion and mirroring what those around them want to see. We still have trouble accepting the reality of those walking around without a conscience, and perhaps without a soul. We can't wrap our brains around it, it's alien to us. That's why you'll see the bickering, and the lofty pronouncements of "innocent until proven guilty", or the fanciful postulations about accidental deaths in swimming pools, even though I've seen IRS Agents with more emotion than Casey.
Keep up the interesting writing, Doctor.
M
55 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi Mindy,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I think it's healthy to disagree and thanks for feeling comfortable enough to share your thoughts.
What you have written makes a great deal of sense. However I truly dont believe I have seen or read enough information on Cindy Anthony to form an objective opinion about what is going on with her other than the denial I originally commented on.
Casey meets the criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder so that was an easy read but Cindy isn't quite so clear cut, at least in my professional opinion. If one has the opportunity to spend time with someone and interview them or do some psychological testing it is easier to come to a conclusion.
We will discover more about Casey and her family as time passes. It should be interesting and the information revealed during the trial (assuming there is one)should provide greater insights into all involved.
Juliann
56 - Mindy
Yikes....Dr. Juliann...you are a woman, aren't you? My bad! *chagrined*
Thanks for the response.
For the record, I don't think Cindy Anthony is a sociopath. Just a creep and sorry excuse for a human being. I do, however, believe she is capable of love and empathy--two things she unfortunately did not pass on to her daughter.
57 - Kathryn
Dr. Mitchell,
Thank you for sharing your expertise, opinions, and personal replies! Your article has stimulated some very enlightening commentary. It's refreshing to read something about this case which offers some professional insight.
As well as some of the others who have posted here, I would be very interested to hear your opinions about Cindy Anthony's behavior. You've mentioned that you don't have enough information on her - but should you find that information - I would look forward to the fascinating reading!
58 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hey Mindy,
Dont give the gender comment a second thought. It was easy to do. John Lennon has a son by the name of Julian.
So glad you stopped by to read and share your thoughts. I think the more comments the richer it makes the discussion for everyone.
Juliann
59 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi Kathryn,
Glad you stopped by and had some comments to share.
I do believe we will all learn more about Cindy as time passes especially if a trial ensues. It must be very difficult for her and George to now live in a fishbowl, demonstrators outside their home, the media following their every move, financial challenges, etc. Their stress level must be very high.
What are your thoughts about her?
Juliann
60 - C J Moore
I hope the courts do find Casey Anthony "GUILTY"f the death of her daughter Caylee. If she did do what we all are pretty sure that she did or harmed that child in any way, she truely needs to be given the death penalty.
61 - Charlotte
Hi everyone,
I've been following this case from beginning up to date. Yes, I admit that I am obsessed with this case. Dr. my question, is it possible to feel compassion for Casey even if I know in my heart that it is very possible that she is guilty? I have two sons of my own and if one of them committed a crime like this it would break my heart, but I would turn them over to the police. I find it so shocking to hear Lee laughing and Cindy lying over the loss of little Caylee. I sympathize with George, because he was the only one who did the right thing.
62 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi Charlotte,
Thanks for reading and commenting. You asked if it was possible to feel compassion for Casey even though she might be guilty.
Yes it is possible to feel for her even though she may have committed a crime. Unfortuntely she seems to have no compassion for family and friends and that is indeed a travesty for everyone concerned, including her. Being emotionally dead inside is hard to understand for all of us.
Juliann
63 - Pat
Is this something that she was born with, or learned behavior?
64 - Marcia Neil
With a name like 'Casey' and living in FL, social pressure to ship seafood to more northernmost climes can be intense if it lacks social controls.
65 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Pat,
Please see comment #43 and #52 which answers your question. Thanksfor stopping by and asking a very good question.
Juliann
66 - Marcia Neil
That would be 'sea food mo' gul'' -- certainly wordplay to worry about.
67 - Kathryn
What are Marcia's posts about? I don't understand.
68 - Elizabeth
Thanks for writing this, Dr Mitchell, your words are so true. It's a tragic but gripping case. The mother Cindy Anthony is also an interesting psychological study.
69 - Jake Hess
By calling someone a sociopath, because they fit certain symptoms of behavior, are we not,merely , scrapping the surface of a problem that may resonate a more sinister reality, such as, EVIL.
Man, since the beginning of time has had the choice to, choose between right and wrong.
Perhaps those who choose to do the ultimate, such as murder, etc. have a seared form of conscience (open to that which is evil) and therefore, we as a society try to explain the unexplainable, with regards to such heinous choices, to no avail.
70 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Jake,
You make a very interesting point.
Juliann
71 - David McNulty
Hi Dr. Mitchell,
I am writing to you to express my appreciation for your article (referenced above).
It is, by far, the most intelligent and insightful commentary that I have heard on the tragic case of Caylee Anthony.
Thank you.
You're very smart!
I learned a lot from your article.
Best regards,
David
72 - emg
Just a quick follow-up! Thanks for your fabulous writing here and response to my previous comment!!! I know that you are not a psychic, but, with your knowledge of these types of cases, do you think that maybe Texas Equusearch might find the remains this weekend or even at all? We all know that Casey has dug her heels in and refuses to let "LE break her" as she put it... We in CT are hoping for closure soon as possible and thank you Dr J for even responding!!! All the best to you.
73 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi David M.,
Glad you enjoyed the opinion piece on Casey Anthony. Thank you for your kind comments.
Best wishes,
Juliann
74 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
Hi emg,
Good of you to comment. Thanks for stopping by, again. It's everyone's thoughts and comments that keep the discussion alive and interesting.
To answer your question about finding Caylee I honestly don't know. It has been months since her disappearance and the longer the time passes without finding her the less likelihood there is that she will ever be found. However never say never.
It is very hard to have closure without a body that is either alive or deceased. As long as there is no body there is a bit of hope that Caylee will be found alive.
The search team has done so much work and really poured their hearts into finding Caylee. It must be disappointing and frustrating to have not found her.
Thanks again,
Juliann
75 - Douglas Mays
Very interesting text, very true. I have a very dear friend (x-wife) whose life has been invaded for years by a socio/psychopath. To a very criminal degree as far as the methodology of 'forging' friendships. Control is the operative term. 'best friend' is the guise.
Unfortuntely, under a period of time with a life controlled by a sociopath, the victim developes habits of the sociopath in day to day process. Suddenly turning on you and coming up with abstract points of blame, which of course, is trigged by the real problem. I have learned to understand the types like Squeaky Frohm, etc. Who can walk up to Charles Manson and say "I'm out of this cult"?
Anyway, the psycho/sociopath exists in our society in many ways, much more than the common person can understand. As I have found out, law, justice, medical industries have something to learn and be aware of. Recognizing these lies and delusions created by a sociopath. The life of the 'victim' being shoved into the world of control is terrible. A tough web to escape.
I've got a messy case on my hands. I have been attacked by a sociopath due to the fact I became an element of him losing control. The time and cost of defending myself against a web of delusion is nuts! And the damage to our 'victim'.
I could go on about this one.
best,
DM