Stockholm Syndrome is a common psychological disorder in people who are in a situation of tension, for example in the case of kidnappings, house arrest or situations of abuse, for example. In these situations, victims tend to establish more personal relationships with aggressors.
Stockholm Syndrome corresponds to a response of the unconscious to a dangerous situation, which leads the victim to establish an emotional connection with the kidnapper, for example, which makes him feel safe and calm.
This syndrome was first described in 1973 after the hijacking of a bank in Stockholm, Sweden, in which the victims established bonds of friendship with the kidnappers, so that they ended up visiting them in prison, in addition to claiming that there was no type physical or psychological violence that might suggest that their lives were in danger.
Signs of Stockholm Syndrome
Normally the Stockholm Syndrome has no signs and symptoms, and it is possible that many people have this Syndrome without even knowing it. The signs of Stockholm Syndrome appear when the person is faced with a situation of stress and tension in which his life is at risk, which can be triggered by the feeling of insecurity, isolation or due to threats, for example.
Thus, as a way of defending itself, the subconscious encourages compassionate behavior towards the aggressor, so that the relationship between victim and kidnapper is often one of emotional identification and friendship. Initially, this emotional connection would aim to preserve life, however over time, due to the emotional bonds created, the small acts of kindness on the part of the offenders, for example, tend to be amplified by people who have the Syndrome, which it makes them feel more secure and peaceful in the face of the situation and that any kind of threat is forgotten or ignored.
How is the treatment
As the Stockholm Syndrome is not easily identifiable, only when the person is at risk, there is no treatment indicated for this type of Syndrome. In addition, the characteristics of Stockholm Syndrome are due to the response of the subconscious, and it is not possible to verify the reason why they actually happen.
Most studies report cases of people who developed Stockholm Syndrome, however there are few studies that seek to clarify the diagnosis of this Syndrome and, thus, define treatment. Despite this, psychotherapy can help a person overcome trauma, for example, and even help to identify the Syndrome.
Due to the lack of clear information about Stockholm Syndrome, this Syndrome is not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and is therefore not classified as a psychiatric disease.
