Introduction

While the psychological thriller film “Berlin Syndrome” may have captured the attention of many viewers, it begs the question: is Berlin Syndrome a real condition? In this article I will discuss what is now known as Berlin Syndrome, where it originated, how it is categorized and whether or not it is truly a psychological disorder.

Understanding Berlin Syndrome

The term Berlin Syndrome was coined from the novel of the same title by Australia’s Melanie Joosten published in 2011. It got more exposure in 2017 when the movie based on the same story, was directed by Cate Shortland. These include a narrative of a young Australian photographer who finds herself into a psychologically abusive relationship while on a photographic assignment in Berlin.

Origins of the Term

It important to note that Berlin syndrome is not considered as an official psychiatric disorder. However, its concept is borrowed from Stockholm Syndrome, a familiar psychological scenario by which hostages develop affection towards their captors. Stockholm Syndrome was named so, because it was first identified in Stockholm, Sweden, where kidnap victims developed positive feelings towards their captors during bank theft in 1973.

This paper aims at exploring the characteristics of Berlin Syndrome.

Within the setting of the novel and film Berlin Syndrome is defined as a phenomenon of emotional psychological confinement. This entrapment is usually caused by manipulation by the partner or the partner isolates the abused from his/her friends and family. The captor practices a number of mind games on the intended target and hence enslaves him or her to the captor’s abusing ways.

Berlin Syndrome as a Method of Analysis From the Perspective of Psychological Science

Classification in Diagnostic Handbooks

Currently, Berlin Syndrome is not listed as a particular type of disorder in official manuals of classification, including the DSM-5 and ICD-10. Diagnosic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders are used by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, counselors, and other health care providers to diagnose conditions.

Similarity with Other Related Disorders

Of course, Berlin Syndrome, as of the present, does not have an independent code; however, it has overlapping with other ICD-10 classifications, including Stockholm Syndrome, C-PTSD, and DPD.

Stockholm Syndrome

Known earlier, that Berlin Syndrome was inspired by the story of Stockholm Syndrome. Strange however they both have a victim becoming emotionally attached with his captor and forming a kind of rapport between captor and captives. However, Berlin Syndrome is all about power strategies throughout the relationship while Stockholm Syndrome can be applied for any type of hostage state.

Integrated Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

People with C-PTSD are known to have the consequences of prolonged abuse and those fates depicted in Berlin Syndrome are no exception. : This disorder includes PTSD with other symptoms like, mood swings, trouble with forming and maintaining close relationships, and Ideas about oneself.

It is a personality disorder characterised as dependent personality disorder (DPD).

This post can be also useful for DPD when illustrating individuals with Berlin Syndrome. It is defined by dependency on other people for confirmations and approvals of emotions and decisions. This is because the abuser is usually able to make the victim become more and more dependent on him/her by using different tricks.

The Therapy of Identifying Berlin Syndrome

Even though Berlin Syndrome is not recognized as a psychological disorder, it is still invaluable to name and discuss what it stands for. Stories depicted in the book and the movie help to reveal realities of couple abuse and the general psychological conditions as the victims may experience them.

Conclusion

Thus, one might conclude that, although Berlin Syndrome cannot be viewed as a separate pathological state at the present, it deals with real life psychological phenomena and existing disorders. Analyzing the motifs and components shown in Berlin Syndrome, a person is able to comprehend the nature of violent partnerships and possible consequences upon a victim. Further research is still needed in an effort to gain further knowledge about the nature of abuse and risks connected to it in order to provide support to the victims.