A new DNA analysis of Adolf Hitler has revealed that he suffered from a hidden genetic disorder that may have hampered the development of his reproductive organs.
These findings will be revealed in detail in the documentary "Hitler's DNA: The Dictator's Blueprint," scheduled to air on Channel 4. The documentary also debunks myths surrounding Hitler's Jewish origins and the notion that he was illegitimately descended from a Jewish ancestor. It presents evidence suggesting he may have suffered from one or more neurological variations or mental health disorders.
Scientists were able to build Hitler's DNA profile from a blood-stained cloth sample that a US Army colonel had cut from the couch where Hitler committed suicide in 1945.
Although this research and its results may be controversial, the lead geneticist on the project explained that she hesitated a lot before participating in it, but she wanted to ensure that it was completed with the required accuracy and rigor.
Professor Tory King, who became famous for identifying the remains of King Richard III, expressed her internal conflict, saying: "I suffered a lot because of this decision. But I realized that this research would eventually be carried out by someone, so we wanted to make sure it was done in a very systematic and accurate way. Also, not carrying it out might give a kind of sanctification to his person."
King added a provocative comment: "If Hitler had seen his own genetic results, he probably would have sent himself to the gas chambers."
Historical accounts from World War I reveal that Hitler was harassed and bullied because of the size of his genitals, as his genetic condition made him one in ten times more likely to have a small penis.
A medical examination dating back to 1923 - discovered in 2015 - also revealed that Hitler did indeed suffer from undescended testicles.
For his part, historian Alex J. Kay, who specializes in the history of Nazi Germany, pointed out that this situation may help explain Hitler's "extraordinary and almost total immersion in political life," explaining: "While senior Nazis enjoyed family life and even extramarital relationships, Hitler was the only exception among the leaders of the Nazi regime. Therefore, I believe that the Nazi movement could not have come to power except under Hitler's leadership."
The genetic results also succeeded in refuting long-standing rumors about Hitler's Jewish origins, especially those claiming his illegitimate descent from a Jewish ancestor.
Regarding his mental health, the results did not rule out the possibility that he suffered from some form of neurological variation and mental disorder, as his genes showed overlap between several conditions. Hitler was found to have a high percentage of predispositions to autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, but it is unclear which of these symptoms he may have exhibited.
Dr. Alex Tsompanidis, an autism researcher at Cambridge University, cautioned against drawing hasty conclusions, saying: "We can say that his biological makeup was not in his favor, but we cannot apply any clinical diagnosis here. We do not have sufficient evidence. It is possible that the cognitive process was affected, but I use his behavior as much as I use genes when I say that."
In this context, the research team was keen to emphasize that these results should not be used to stigmatize people with similar conditions as indicated by the study.
Professor Sir Simon Baron Cohen, a prominent psychologist, concluded by saying: "Human behavior cannot be explained by genetic factors alone. Linking Hitler's extreme cruelty to people with these disorders could lead to stigmatization, especially since the vast majority of those with these conditions are neither violent nor cruel, and many are quite the opposite."
