Meet The Psychopaths

Documentary exploring the nature of psychopaths, using cutting-edge science to reveal what makes them so different to others. Forensic psychiatrist Tony Maden shares his own specially commissioned personality profiles and assessments of psychopaths and the programme showcases the research being undertaken to understand the condition. The first edition features case studies of serial killers Joanna Dennehy and Dennis Nilsen, as well as convicted murderer John Cannan, while Maden also meets armed robber Noel `Razor' Smith.

Professor Tony Maden looks into the personalities of `super-functional' psychopaths and explains how individuals with power can ruin the lives of millions. Extraordinary footage from Jimmy Savile's past reveals that he knew he could get away with his sexual abuse crimes, while observations from those who knew media tycoon Robert Maxwell point to a man out of control and a dangerous psychopath who ruined people's lives without a second thought. Plus, rare footage of Adolf Hitler's behaviour in private offers an insight into his rise to power.

Forensic psychiatrist Professor Tony Maden focuses on what makes psychopaths different from the rest of the population and examines the case of Mick Philpott, whose arson attack on his family home in Derby in May 2012 resulted in the death of six of his children. He also explores how psychopathic personality traits can be socially valuable, with surgeon Gabriel Weston admitting to being able to turn off emotions during work.