Stockholm syndrome: media phenomenon or psychiatric condition?

Abstract

Cinematography and mass media often use the expression "Stockholm syndrome" to define the relationship which is sometimes established between the victim and the abductor in kidnapping, but according to scientific literature this condition is rare to verify and is not inserted in any international system of psychiatric classification. Furthermore, reverse cases of Stockholm syndrome are documented; in these cases the abductor is so much attached to his prisoner to decide to spare kidnapper’s life and suffering. Although these two forms of Stockholm syndrome look like a mysterious and magical phenomena, they can be explained rationally: they are not conscious behaviour, but unconscious defense mechanisms that help people to overcome high stress conditions. The authors discuss about the psychopathological manifestations of the Syndrome and about the criteria used to diagnose it. They question if some people are predisposed to develop this kind of psychopathology, how long the syndrome lasts and if the victim and the abductor can be recidivist when the emotional bond between them is interrupted. Finally, the authors propose the case (unique) which they identified for a certainty: Cristina (invented name) is 46 years old, rich, married and has two daughters. She is going through a depression period and decides to be treated by a psychotherapist, Paola (invented name). Later Cristina establishes a psychological dependence towards her psychotherapist, so much strong to convince her to give all her money and properties to Paola and her husband. Over the years, Cristina tries to get rid of this dependence, which she lives like a real disease, by developing another dependence towards a violent and quarrelsome man. Only after suffering acts of physical violence the woman finds the strength to react and to break off all relations with her torturers. Paola and her husband were investigated for the offence of circumvention of an incapable and Cristina was subjected to a psychiatric evaluation.