Extreme Overvalued Beliefs
Buy the Book: Oxford University PressPublished by: Oxford University Press
Release Date: September 2024
Overview
Riveting and surprising in its persuasive simplicity, Extreme Overvalued Beliefs makes a profound argument that most violent targeted attacks are incorrectly classified as motivated by delusions or obsessions. Drawing on exceptionally clear and vivid details of crimes such as the JFK assassination, Oklahoma City bombing, and the January 6th US Capitol attack, as well as the Sandy Hook and Uvalde school shootings, the monograph illuminates three easily understood cognitive drivers of targeted attacks, arguing that we must embrace these in order to thwart future incendiary acts. Reprising the work of neuroscientist Carl Wernicke, Dr. Rahman elegantly separates culturally shared, relished, and extreme ideologies from delusional thinking. Extreme Overvalued Beliefs belongs in the libraries of mental health and legal professionals but will also appeal to those yearning to learn more about the epidemic of mass violence we have become accustomed to living with.
Case Studies
View example case studies from the book
ADVANCE PRAISE:
In this thoughtful and informative book, Dr. Rahman resurrects and extends the concept of overvalued ideas from the field of classical psychopathology. He gives this concept new importance in the context of “extreme overvalued beliefs” and the role of these strong but non-delusional ideas in human thinking and behavior ranging from certain clinical psychiatric syndromes to cults and mass killings. This book will have significant impact across multiple disciplines including psychiatry, psychology, social sciences and law. —Charles F. Zorumski, M.D., Samuel B. Guze Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Director of the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric ResearchWashington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO
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This book is a fascinating dive into the vastly underappreciated expanse of extreme overvalued beliefs, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. As a boots-on-the-ground threat assessment professional and as a contributor to the behavioral science of violence prevention, I consider this must-read. Whether you're new to the field or an expert, there's something for everyone in this very accessible read.—Molly Amman, former FBI profiler at the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) in Quantico, Virginia.
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This book provides the best analysis of the role that extreme overvalued beliefs play in assassinations, school shootings and mass murders. It offers clear guidance in distinguishing such beliefs from delusions and in recognizing clues to help prevent such tragedies.—Phillip Resnick, MD, Professor of Psychiatry Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
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Tahir Rahman’s provocative book delivers an innovative metric to understand very violent behavior and possibly even identify those about to carry it out. His case study of Lee Harvey Oswald is a compelling and fresh analysis of why Oswald killed JFK. No reader will finish Rahman’s book without appreciating the importance of his convincing thesis about extreme overvalued beliefs.—Gerald Posner, New York Times bestselling author of Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK
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At a time when unconventional beliefs have gained abundant acceptance among members of society, Dr. Rahman sheds light on the liminal space between normal and delusional thoughts. Delineation of Extreme Overvalued Beliefs is especially significant relative to the coercive powers of psychiatry—highlighted in issues such as competence, culpability, civil commitment and the forcible administration of psychiatric medications.—Bruce Harry, MD, Former Director, Psychiatry and the Law Division, University of Missouri – Columbia, Former Medical Director, Biggs Forensic Center, Fulton State Hospital
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Extreme Overvalued Beliefs is a fascinating book on a vitally important topic. Enriched by copious case studies, it will challenge forensic practitioners’ traditional diagnostic and explanatory frameworks. It’s also a very good read. —Stephen J. Morse, J.D., Ph.D. Ferdinand Wakeman Hubbell Professor of Law & Professor of Psychology & Law in Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
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Dr. Rahman’s seminal work provides key differences between delusions and extreme overvalued beliefs. He provides insight into how these thoughts develop over time, fueled by influencers and our digital subculture. This book is essential guidance for the legal system, which often encounters odd or unusual patterns of thinking and behavior.—Joseph S. Passanise, Managing Partner, Wampler & Passanise
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Psychiatry has been critiqued for its ever-shifting contours of mental disease concepts. Yet Dr. Rahman distinguishes the contours of a timely and critical concept associated with violence and extreme behavior in society. He does so in manner that gives rise to improved accuracy and clarity of forensic psychiatric assessment. With his analysis of extreme overvalued beliefs, Dr. Rahman has made a substantial contribution to the field and secures his position as a preeminent clinical scientist.—James L. Knoll, IV, M.D. President, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
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The yawning space between delusional and normal cognitions is artfully and scientifically described by this most important work on extreme overvalued beliefs. We are awash in such simplistic, binary and absolute ways of thinking. Dr Rahman not only elucidates this heretofore psychiatric no man’s land, but makes a critical contribution to our social and political discourse.—J. Reid Meloy, PhD, ABPP, Award Winning Author and Developer, TRAP-18
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This thoughtful review of the many ways society understands the psychological influences on behavior unites history, medicine, literature, and philosophy in a unique treatment of pre-occupation and pathology. The challenges of distinguishing controversial beliefs from illness are evident in a book that carefully addresses both the nuances of defining clinical conditions and the subtleties of assigning blame.—Philip J. Candilis, MD, DFAPA, Medical Director, Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Washington DC, Professor of Psychiatry, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
