Stockholm Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Stockholm syndrome is a psychological condition when the victim of a kidnapping or other crime falls in love with someone who has kidnapped or committed a crime against him. The term Stockholm Syndrome was introduced by a criminal expert named Nils Bejerot.
This condition is called Stockholm Syndrome because it started from an incident in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1973, there was a hostage-taking at the Swedish Bank Kreditbanken. Two gunmen named Olsson and Olofsson held four bank employees hostage for six days.
What is unique is that when the rescue action was carried out by the local security forces, the four people who were being held hostage defended the hostage-taker. Even after the two robbers were caught and sentenced to prison terms, the hostage victims were still trying to save themselves. They are raising funds to pay the court’s fine. It was also reported that one of the victims even left his girlfriend to be with one of the hostage takers.
Symptoms
Those who experience Stockholm Syndrome must have a history of having experienced hostage-taking or other crimes. In addition, he exhibits the following set of symptoms:
- Showing admiration for his captor
- Refusal of rescue actions from the authorities
- Trying to defend the hostage-taker
- Trying to please the captor
- Refused to testify about the criminal acts committed by the hostage-takers
- Make no attempt to escape
Not only the case in 1973, the Stockholm Syndrome incident has also occurred in other events. In 1998, a 10-year-old girl named Natascha Kampusch was taken hostage in Austria. He only returned to his family in 2006. After being traced, it turned out that because of Natascha’s wish, he was locked in a cell for 8 years.
Additionally, in 2003, a 15-year-old girl named Elizabeth Smart was taken hostage by someone claiming to be a priest. The girl only came home after 9 months because she felt comfortable with her hostage.
Reason
The exact cause of Stockholm Syndrome is uncertain. Allegedly there are several psychological factors behind the occurrence of this syndrome. Among others are:
- Victims felt that their hostage takers were kind because they did not harm or take their lives.
- Victims feel treated well by the hostage-takers.
- In hostage-taking, both victims and hostage-takers are isolated in a place or room without any intervention from other parties. This can provide an opportunity for both parties to observe each other from a different perspective.
- In order to save his life, the victim tried to be as good as possible to the hostage-taker. Over time, this turns into a habit.
Diagnosis
Doctors think of the suspicion of Stockholm Syndrome when a victim of a crime appears to be defending the criminal. To confirm this syndrome, the doctor will conduct thorough interviews and observations. Physical examination generally shows normal signs, no abnormalities are found or need to be suspected.
If there are no injuries, injuries or acts of violence committed by the perpetrators of the crime, then generally laboratory tests, radiological examinations or other supporting examinations are not needed.
Treatment
Stockholm syndrome occurs due to intense fear and stress. The most effective therapy is to do counseling with a psychiatrist. In addition, it is also important to motivate the family to provide full support to sufferers.
Anti-anxiety drugs or anti-depressant drugs may be given. However, drug therapy is not the main therapy in cases of Stockholm Syndrome.
Prevention
Until now there is no way to prevent Stockholm syndrome. But in general, if someone experiences a crime that can cause trauma, you should immediately consult a psychiatrist before certain psychological symptoms or disorders appear.