In the book "A Child Called 'It'," Catherine Roerva Pelzer is depicted as the mother of the author, Dave Pelzer. The book is a memoir that recounts the horrific and abusive childhood experiences Dave endured at the hands of his mother.
Catherine Roerva Pelzer's behavior, as described in the book, is consistent with severe and sadistic child abuse rather than a specific mental illness. The book does not diagnose her with any particular mental disorder, but it portrays her as an extremely abusive and mentally disturbed individual.
It's important to note that the author's perspective in the book is from his own experiences and memories as a child, and his portrayal of his mother may not be a complete or objective representation. The book focuses on the abuse Dave endured and his survival rather than delving into the mental health of his mother.
It is essential to approach such accounts with sensitivity and recognize that mental illness alone cannot explain or excuse abusive behavior. Abusive actions are not typical or representative of any specific mental disorder but rather a complex interplay of individual, environmental, and psychological factors.