Stockholm Syndrome
Stockholm Syndrome Causes
If the hostage taking took several days, hostages are most likely to have the syndrome. In some cases, hostage takers communicate with the hostages and when hostage takers show kindness toward the hostages. Sometimes, people who feel helpless will do anything to survive the ordeal.
Stockholm Syndrome Definition
This condition usually seen on people that were abducted, it is psychological response wherein hostages display signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker despite of the danger where the hostage has been placed. This syndrome is also associated to other situations that have similar tensions like battered person syndrome. It was named after the bank robbery that happened in Norrmalmstorg, Stockholm, Sweden where in the people were held hostage from August 23-28, 1973. The syndrome usually affects hostages if the hostage taking took several days.
Stockholm Syndrome Diagnosis
Most psychiatrists use the diagnostic criteria used in diagnosing PTSD or acute stress disorder to evaluate Stockholm syndrome.
Stockholm Syndrome Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms for this syndrome are reported to have the same symptoms with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) like insomnia, general irritability, nightmares, hard up in concentrating, easily startled, feelings of confusion, lack of ability to enjoy experiences that was previously exciting, feeling of distrust towards other people and flashbacks.
Stockholm Syndrome Treatment
Medications used for PTSD is also used to treat Stockholm syndrome. A combination of medications to help in eliminating short-term sleep disturbance and for longer-term symptoms psychotherapy is done.