While looking for information about Berlin Syndrome you can find numerous definitions and interpretations. In this article, we will try to comprehend what Berlin Syndrome is, when it occurred, and what consequences this syndrome can have. In this interesting subject we will learn how it started, what is typical and how it can be cured.
What is Berlin Syndrome?
To do this let me begin with a brief definition of Berlin Syndrome. Is a term used to describe a psychological condition which happens when an individual becomes painfully enamored with the first person that he comes across. This fixation is commonly one sided and is likely to be sparked by great feelings like love and obsession.
The phenomenon known as the “Berlin Syndrome” originates from the book written by Melanie Joisten in 2003 and filmed later. This notion also becomes clear when we abstract from the concrete setting that is described in the book. While Berlin Syndrome is used more broadly to describe similar behaviors in other locations than the city of Berlin.
The Historical Context
The history of Berlin Syndrome can be related to different cases of Stockholm Syndrome. Stockholm Syndrome became named in 1973 following a bank employees hostage pick in Stockholm, Sweden where some of the endangered employees even got to develop a positive attitude towards their captors. Like in the captor-victims relation, Berlin Syndrome has a twist, which is based entirely without person-to-person interaction, but focuses on a more intimate sphere.
Symptoms of the Berlin Syndrome
Now that we have an understanding of the meaning and historical context, let’s explore the common characteristics of Berlin Syndrome:
1. Intense emotional attachment:
Sufferers of Berlin Syndrome have great affection towards their target person and want to stay close with him or her. This attachment can be very consuming to the point of having a negative influence on their capacity to pay attention to what is going on in other fields of their life.
2. Distorted perception:
Having Berlin Syndrome, a person may experience a situation when they create a distorted and idealized picture of the loved one in their head. This can feature its self in the extent to which the person is concerned with the physical appearance, personality or even the lifestyle of the concerned individual.
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Dependency:
Being dependent on the abductor is a feature found often in cases of the Berlin syndrome. The person obsessed with their chosen individual may felt the need of the presence of his/her beloved partner to get a stamp of approval. They might struggle in coming up with decisions where they have to single-handedly make or where their decision would have to be accepted by the other person.
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Boundary violation:
Whereas those that have been diagnosed with Berlin Syndrome may have severities in their interpersonal relationship by violating people’s privacy. They may communicate excessively, intrude privacy as well as personal space of the preferred object of their desires. This is more so given that most lovebirds lose the ability to respect boundaries and the display of such conductivity is most often precipitated by the extent to which most are emotionally attached.
Treatment Options
It is therefore very important to understand and treat Berlin Syndrome for the benefit of all involved stakeholders. Here are a few treatment options that can help:
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Therapy:
It is days well-known that individual therapy is incredibly valuable when it comes to Berlin Syndrome. A good therapist will help a patient understand why they are feeling that way and guide the patient to find better ways of dealing with it.
2. Medication:
The syndrome cannot be cured and it is said that in some instances, medicine can be administered to control the impacts that come with the condition known as the Berlin Syndrome. This will assist to control emotional states, prevent anxiety, and generally maintain the health of the nervous system. However, medication should always be used under prescription and recommended by a health care provider.
3. Support groups:
People with Berlin Syndrome can get information on where to find support groups or group therapy sessions that they can attend to meet other people that are like them and get support from. They can provide good information and support as to how to handle a situation.
Conclusion
Althought he concept of Berlin Syndrome is a very interesting psychological state, it is more than crucial to consider the risks which this position entails and ask for professional help if needed. It enables a person who learns about the meaning of this term, its history and main features, get an insight into this intricate psychiatric disorder. It’s important to note that if you, or someone you know is in Berlin Syndrome, professional help should be sought to overcome the emotional hurdle of the condition.
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