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6-2010 Vampirism, Vampire Cults and the Teenager of Today Megan White University of Kentucky

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Repository Citation White, Megan and Omar, Hatim A., "Vampirism, Vampire Cults and the Teenager of Today" (2010). Pediatrics Faculty Publications. 75. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/pediatrics_facpub/75

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Notes/Citation Information Published in International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, v. 22, no. 2, p. 189-195.

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Digital Object Identifier (DOI) http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/IJAMH.2010.22.2.177

This article is available at UKnowledge: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/pediatrics_facpub/75 ©Freund Publishing House Ltd. Int J Adolesc Med Health 20 I 0;22(2): 189-195

Vampirism, vampire cults and the teenager of today

Megan White, MD and Hatim Omar, MD

Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States ofAmerica

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to summarize the limited literature on clinical vampirism, vampire cults and the involvement of adolescents in vampire-like behavior. The various definitions of clinical vampirism are outlined and the emergence of vampire cults from Gothic culture is examined. Further, the clinical features of cult behavior, the attraction to cults, the risk factors for cult involvement, and the clinical management of cult members are discussed. Additionally, vampire popular media is briefly introduced and a case study presented.

Keywords: Vampire cults, vampirism, drinking blood, self-cutting, auto-vampirism

Co"espondence: Professor Hatim A Omar, MD, J422 Kentucky Clinic, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0284, United States. Tel: 859-323-5643; fax: 859-323-3795; E-mail: [email protected]

Submitted: December I 0, 2009. Revised: January 03, 2010. Accepted: January 14, 2010.

INTRODUCTION The articles were limited to include only Many authors agree that the scientific human studies and articles written in literature regarding clinical vampirism is English. This search was helpful in finding sparse (1-6). Many reasons for the scarce approximately 15 articles. Most articles . literature have been proposed. Cases of consisted of case reports and literature vampirism may be overlooked as self­ reviews. To expand the search, we collected cutting or homicidal behavior (2). Individuals and studied the references from the original involved in vampire-like behavior may not articles. The literature is summarized below seek professional help for their behavior or to examine the definitions and symptoms of may withhold this information from their clinical vampirism, vampire cults, and cult physicians, further decreasing the number behavior, risk factors for cult behavior and of reported cases of vampirism (3). Several the emerging vampire-like behavior among authors have suggested that clinical adolescents. Additionally, a case study is vampirism is a rare phenomenon (2,3) and presented. that the ever-changing definition of vampirism contributes to the confusion of DEFINING VAMPIRISM collaborative information regarding the The definition of clinical vampirism has subject (2). constantly changed throughout the literature (2). Early definitions include drawing blood METHODS from 'a love object' for sexual satisfaction The literature search was initially conducted (5), while later authors derived a classifi­ using PubMed. Terms such as vampire cult, cation system for clinical vampirism (1,3). vampirism, and blood drinking were used. Bourguignon (I) proposed a nine-fold VAMPIRISM 190

unstable identity structure (2). His patien~s classification system that was later did not ingest blood for sexual pleasure; m modified by Prins (3,4) into a classification fact, all were disinterested in sex entirely (2). scheme based on four groups: • Complete vampirism, which includes the VAMPIRE CULTS ingestion of blood, necrophilia, and Emerging as an offshoot of the Gothic movement of the 1980s, today's necrophagia • Vampirism involving sexual excitement contemporary Vampire subculture comprises from touching or having intercourse with individuals who claim to be "real corpses without ingestion of blood or vampires." Such individuals may engage in necrophagia vampire-like behavior, including only • Vampirism without the involvement of emerging at night, sleeping in coffins, death (ie. blood ingestion of living donor) wearing fangs, and even blood sharing (6). • Auto-vampirism, or enjoyment from It is thought such groups have emerged ingestion of blood from one's self. This from role-playing games such as fourth category is subdivided into: "Dungeons and Dragons," new age o self-induced bleeding followed by computer technology, and popular media ingestion (8). The image of the vampire has changed o voluntary bleeding and re-ingestion throughout history from the monstrous, of blood living-dead vampire in Bram Stoker's o auto-hemofetishism, which involves Dracula, to the alluring, romantic, and pleasure from viewing blood drawn compassionate vampire seen in Anne Rice's into a syringe (related to intravenous Interview with the Vampire (7,9,10) and in drug use) (3). Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series (11). As such, more individuals are drawn to After his experience with several personal vampirism, thus perpetuating the emergence patient cases, Hemphill (2) proposed an ofvampire cults. alternative definition for clinical vampirism. One ofthe most notorious vampire cults Here, vampirism is defined as a compulsive came to public attention in 1996 when four disorder where the ingestion of blood teenagers were charged with first-degree provides mental calm and relief (2). He murder in the brutal beating and murder of describes vampirism as a separate clinical two parents of one cult member. This group entity with three main symptoms: of western Kentucky teenagers called itself the "Vampire Clan" and comprised 30 to 40 • Compulsive blood-taking members (8). The group initially engaged in • Uncertain identity complex games of hide-and-seek, based on • Abnormal interest in death. the role-playing game "Vampire, the Masquerade." As such, they later named All of Hemphill's patients enjoyed the themselves the VAMPS for "Victorian Age appearance and taste of blood from a young Masquerade Performance Society" (8). As age, had increased unrest before blood a new leader moved into the group, the ingestion, and felt a sense of calm after the games incorporated group sex, drug use, sight and ingestion of blood. Each describes and violent acts veiled under the pretense of vivid dreams and preoccupation with the a performance group (8). The group experience of death and each had an engaged in ritualized occult behavior · M WHITE AND H OMAR 191

involving an extensive "crossing over" and social bonding, making them initiation process. The leader of the group increasingly likely to seek out cult had a significant history of neglect, sexual membership. abuse, and a dysfunctional family life; he later pled guilty for the murder of an ATTRACTION TO CULTS AND CLINICAL initiate's parents (8). This teen later became FEATURES the youngest person on death row in the Many individuals with the aforementioned United States (12). risk factors develop feelings of alienation, meaninglessness, powerlessness, and RISK FACTORS FOR CULT BEHAVIOR demoralization. Joining a cult alleviates Many studies have been performed to many of these feelings and provides a sense assess why individuals are drawn to cults of belonging, identity, and self-esteem (13-16). Essentially, the factors that (15, 17). A cult provides structure, communal contribute to cult attraction are multi­ support, clear expectations and direction, faceted but generally involve psychological unequivocal belonging, and even a source deficits that are compensated for by cult of shelter (15). For adolescents particularly, involvement. Many individuals who are practicing cult behavior is a form of drawn to cults have a dysfunctional family rebellion and a source for relief from life with ineffective parents, resulting in boredom (17). Deviant behavior can poor interpersonal skills and potential therefore be the answer to many problems development of an attachment disorder faced by individuals with a dysfunctional (8, 13, 14). Additionally, cult members may family history and poor emotional resilience have a history of abuse or neglect, low self­ (14). The solace found within a cult is esteem, and a lack of close friends (8). positively reinforcing, thereby motivating Several personality disorders, including further involvement (17). schizotypal, anti-social, and dependent Cults like vampire and satanic cults personality disorders, have been found in frequently involve the cultivation and vampire cult members (8). ingestion of blood, often as part of initiation Other transient risk factors have also rituals (8). Ingestion of blood may serve as been identified as contributing to an an intimate interpersonal communication individual's risk for engaging in cult for individuals who would otherwise lack activity. Individuals who have recently such experiences (8). Furthermore, many moved, changed occupations, recently lost a members of the vampire culture believe that romantic relationship, or are in a blood is a source of power that can increase transitional life phase are at higher risk strength, immunity, and prolong life (8). (13). Furthermore, individuals who find Collecting blood from another person (or work trivial and education meaningless, animal) can be a sign of power, thus who have recently shunned religion, and alleviating previous feelings of power­ who have an inconsistent or absent social lessness and low self-esteem (13). life are also at higher risk for engaging in Individuals involved in cult behavior cult behavior (13). Many of these factors may share several visible behavioral are common throughout adolescence, changes. After joining a cult, a sudden therefore increasing the risk of cult change in value system may be noted along behavior in teenagers. Furthermore, adoles­ with affect blunting and a decrease in cents are naturally searching for identity cognitive flexibility (18). Tolerance of 192 VAMPIRISM other opmwns and value systems may documented and appropriately reported decline (15). Members may reject their (8,13) as many of these cases require future friends and family, past religion and all legal involvement. Treatment should be educational systems or opportunities for aimed at addressing the core problems personal growth (15). Physical changes contributing to cult membership (8, 13). such as weight loss, deterioration in Therapy should be pursued with a specialist appearance, and 'mask-like' facial expression in the treatment of cult behavior. As can also be seen (18). Individuals may also secrecy is often required within the cult, it demonstrate certain psychopathologies such may take several sessions before the as dissociation, obsessive thought, delusional member is able to reveal details of their cult thinking, and hallucinations (18). Further­ involvement (19). It is essential to ascertain more, cult members may respond with a when membership began as traumatic seemingly programmed discourse, often events can often trigger participation in cult repeating messages chanted within the cult activity (19). (15). It is important for clinicians to be Family involvement is critical for the aware of cult behavior to aid in the early treatment of adolescent cult members. identification and treatment of cult members Education regarding cult indoctrination and and consequent psychopathology. the dynamics of cult behavior is important for family members to understand the CLINICAL MANAGEMENT behaviors of their child (8, 13). It is Several authors agree that there are three recommended that family members seek key aspects to the clinical management of individual counseling from a specialist in cult behavior: prevention, early detection order to learn how to relate to their child and and treatment (8,13,19). Ideally, it is to deal with their individual feelings (8,13). important to prevent access to cults and to Furthermore, as a dysfunctional family is a prevent the risks associated with cult risk factor for cult membership, family involvement. A focus toward family counseling is often needed to address the bonding and prevention of neglect and core issues leading to the emotional deficits abuse is key (8, 13). Accordingly, the early ofthe cult member (8,13). detection of such neglect and abuse situations is essential in preventing the POPULAR MEDIA emotional deficits and personality disorders For what scarce literature is available on seen among cult members (8, 13). clinical vampirism and vampire cults, even If prevention and early detection fail, an less is available regarding modem vampire individual may require clinical treatment cults and the adolescent involvement in and intervention. Initially it is important to such cults. Consequently, much information assess whether the individual requires regarding modem vampirism resides within medical intervention. Hospitalization may the popular media. be necessary for patients with unstable self­ Many societies, books, films, magazines, destructive tendencies, and medications and websites are dedicated to vampire may be used to treat underlying disorders culture. Groups such as the "Dracula such as depression (8, 13, 19). A compre­ Society" are dedicated· to the study of hensive assessment must be made to, rule vampire literature, film, and theatre and out neglect and abuse. All current and past specify that they are not involved in any neglect and abuse situations must be well occult behavior (20). Other groups such as M WHITE AND H OMAR 193

the "London Vampyre Group" include the "liked the taste of blood." He endorsed study of literature, film, and theatre but also intentional cutting for the past 1-2 years to incorporate gothic and alternative genres be able to drink his own blood. He stated (21 ). Here, there is more emphasis on that "everyone is making such a big deal emulating the vampire in dress and action. out of this, but it is not a big deal. It's not There are pages of website links for the like I want to kill myself.'' He denied any purchase of vampire clothing, custom-made emotional relief from cutting, denied fangs, and even coffin sleeping bags (21). changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or energy Other media sources such as Bite Me level, denied suicidal or homicidal ideation. magazine contain similar information to the He endorsed the daily abuse of Adderall, "London Vampire Group" website (22) and Xanax, Klonopin, marijuana, and nicotine. are published specifically for the vampire He denied any association with a community. vampire group and stated that his friends Additional websites are dedicated to and his girlfriend knew about his behavior, self-professed vampires and individuals but thought it was 'weird' and did not who want to learn more about contemp­ participate in similar behavior. He denied orary "living vampires" (23). The "Vampire having problems with his family other than Realm of Darkness" website serves as a their "overreaction" to his self-cutting and forum for posting questions and answers denied a past history of neglect or abuse. about vampire behaviors. Here, one can He was well appearing, was dressed in a find information on everything from the tom graphic t-shirt, dark fitted jeans, different types of vampires to the best studded belt, and wore his hair partially locations to make an incision for blood covering his face. He was moderately collection and consumption (23). To cooperative with the interview but remained ascertain the precise effect of these very guarded with a constricted affect. No information sources is difficult, but there signs of hallucinations, illusions, or certainly is no limit to the amount of psychosis. He was linear and goal-directed information (and misinformation) available. throughout the interview. More research is needed to assess how The goal of the first interview was to these sorts of media influence affect gain rapport. No further testing was individual vampirism behavior and modern performed at this visit and he was vampire cults. scheduled for an appointment with a clinical psychologist. He did not keep his CASE STUDY follow up appointment and has not returned In a Kentucky adolescent medicine clinic, a to the clinic to date. 15-year-old white teenage male with no Two other patients with similar 'blood past medical or psychiatric history was cravings' have been seen by physicians at referred for "self cutting behavior" the same adolescent medicine clinic, but all observed at school. He was sent to the patients deny any involvement in vampire school nurse where multiple lacerations at groups or cult behavior. various stages of healing were noted. When questioned about this behavior, he stated DISCUSSION that he is "addicted to blood." He stated that Clearly there has been a growing global he has been licking scabs and other wounds vampire community over the past two since he was a child and that he h~s always decades. With the advancements in 194 VAMPIRISM communication and computer technology, it behavior. Although the motivation for his is easier for individuals with · similar behavior is not entirely understood, the fact unusual practices to connect and form more that two other patients in the area display structured groups. On initial investigation, similar behavior may suggest blood it appears that the adult vampire groups ingestion as an emerging behavior and such as the "Dracula Society" (20) tend to possible acceptable coping strategy amongst focus more on the history and literature of the modem adolescent community. the vampire, whereas groups made of Therefore, it would not suffice to say that younger individuals seem to be more vampire cults comprise members with involved in occult behavior (23). 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