Have you ever heard of a psychological phenomenon known as Stockholm syndrome? The term became famous decades ago, yet many people still do not understand its meaning or its symptoms. If you or someone you care about is affected by this issue, it is important to learn as much as possible and seek professional help.
In our latest guide, we will define Stockholm syndrome, explain its origins, list its symptoms, and help you figure out whether you—or a person you love—may be suffering from it. Moreover, we will give you a few tips you may follow to support a friend or a family member with this syndrome and provide you with the treatment options you should consider.
What is Stockholm Syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a mental condition that makes a hostage sympathize with their captor, feeling gratitude, empathy, and affection toward a person who put them in danger. While this psychological response is rare, it may have long-term consequences for the victim who starts believing the abuser is a good person they can trust.
This syndrome may develop when a person feels threatened and desperate to avoid danger—instead of viewing the captor as the enemy they should fear, the victim starts bonding with them, especially if the abuser shows them occasional kindness. This unique coping mechanism often confuses the victim and the people around them—from their point of view, the victim seems to be making irrational choices that do not align with their best interests.
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History of Stockholm Syndrome
The term “Stockholm syndrome” was coined by a criminal psychiatrist, Nils Bejerot, who assisted law enforcement during the bank robbery in Stockholm in 1973. Two armed criminals held four hostages for six days—oddly enough, when the hostages were released, they refused to testify against their captors and later visited them in prison.
When he was trying to explain the behavior of the hostages after their release, Nils Bejerot came up with “Stockholm syndrome”—according to his theory, the victims began to sympathize with the criminals to survive the ordeal. Upon further research, it was discovered that a similar reaction was documented during the abductions in the past, yet there was no name for the phenomenon.
Symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome
Here is a short list of symptoms associated with Stockholm syndrome you should be on the lookout for:
- Emotion toward the captor
- The victim feels positively about the abuser and defends their actions
- Emotion toward the authorities
- The victim hates or dislikes the people who are trying to help them
- Isolation
- The victim withdraws from their usual social circle
- Lack of cooperation
- The victim refuses to work together with law enforcement
It should be noted that Stockholm syndrome is not recognized as a separate mental disorder—if you or your therapist believes you exhibit the symptoms listed above, you may be diagnosed with acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder instead.
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Famous Examples of Stockholm Syndrome
Besides the bank robbery in Stockholm that led to the creation of the term, there are several well-known cases of abductions followed by the seemingly inexplicable behavior of the victim:
- Patty Hearst: An American heiress was kidnapped by a terrorist group in 1974—she joined her captors in their criminal activities and was arrested. During the trial, her lawyers brought up Stockholm syndrome to explain her actions.
- Mary McElroy: In 1933, four men held Mary McElroy hostage and released her after they were paid a ransom. Mary shocked the public by expressing sympathy toward her abductors and pleading for their release.
- Natascha Kampusch: An Austrian girl was kidnapped in 1998 when she was only ten years old—she spent eight years in captivity before she could escape. After she was found, Natascha spoke kindly of her abductor, attending his funeral after his passing.
How to Overcome Stockholm Syndrome
While it may be challenging to deal with Stockholm syndrome for both the victim and their loved ones, it is possible to overcome this mental health issue with proper treatment and support. Follow these steps to cope with Stockholm syndrome:
- Acknowledge the problem
- Pay attention to your feelings toward the captor—are you minimizing the abuse you have suffered at their hands?
- Reach out to a therapist.
- Talk to a mental health professional who has experience dealing with trauma—a therapist will validate your feelings and create a personalized treatment plan for you.
- Rely on your support network.
- Open up to your friends and family—let the people you trust know what you are going through so that they can help you.
Stockholm syndrome is a unique psychological phenomenon that affects a small percentage of kidnapping victims; nevertheless, if you or a person you care about has developed this syndrome after being held captive, it is crucial to address the issue and seek therapy. A qualified mental health professional will be able to diagnose Stockholm syndrome and provide adequate treatment for the victim.
FAQs
What is Stockholm Syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response to being held captive—a victim starts feeling sympathetic toward their abuser, seeing their abduction in a positive light.
What are the symptoms of Stockholm syndrome?
The main symptoms of Stockholm syndrome are the positive feelings of the victim toward the captor and their negative attitude toward the authorities that are trying to help them.
What is an example of Stockholm syndrome?
In 1974, Patty Hearst was kidnapped by a gang that later convinced her to join their criminal enterprise. During her trial, her lawyers brought up Stockholm syndrome to justify her actions.
Is Stockholm Syndrome a Mental Illness?
Stockholm syndrome is not officially recognized as a mental illness and does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Instead, it is considered a psychological coping response to trauma, and individuals exhibiting these symptoms are typically evaluated for related conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorder.
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Get Trauma-Informed Support at First Responders of California
First responders frequently encounter individuals affected by trauma, abuse, and complex psychological responses like Stockholm syndrome. Witnessing these situations while managing your own occupational stress can take a significant toll on your mental health. First Responders of California offers specialized mental health services designed specifically for those who serve on the front lines. Our experienced therapists understand trauma from both professional and personal perspectives and provide confidential, compassionate care tailored to the unique challenges you face. Whether you are processing difficult calls, struggling with your own trauma responses, or simply need support navigating the emotional demands of your career, we are here to help. Contact First Responders of California today to connect with a mental health professional who truly understands your experiences and can support your journey toward healing and resilience.
