Stalking behaviour by patients towards psychiatrists in a large mental health organization

The International Journal of Social Psychiatry
Ronan J McIvorLisa Davies

Abstract

Mental health professionals are at greater risk than the general population of being stalked, particularly by patients. To assess the prevalence of stalking behaviour by patients towards psychiatrists and ascertain patient characteristics. Semi-structured questionnaire to all psychiatrists (n = 324) working in a large mental health organization. The response rate was 61% (n = 198). Forty-one doctors (21%) reported having been stalked by patients, the majority being consultants (n = 31; 76%). No sub-speciality was over-represented. Most stalkers (n = 24; 59%) were male with a diagnosis of personality disorder (39%) or major mental illness (34%). Duration of stalking ranged from several weeks to 16 years, and most commonly occurred at work. On average, victims experienced two types of inappropriate contact. Physical threats were made against 14 psychiatrists (34%). Stalking by patients towards psychiatrists is common and represents an important occupational risk. Formal training programmes and policy development within healthcare organizations may help manage risk.

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Citations

Nov 12, 2016·The Psychiatric Clinics of North America·Britta OstermeyerBrad D Booth
Mar 2, 2013·The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·Troy E McEwan, Susanne Strand
Apr 26, 2013·International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology·Mark T Palermo
Jul 8, 2015·Journal of Interpersonal Violence·Daniela Acquadro MaranMonica Franscini
Jul 3, 2013·The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease·Karen M Abrams, Gail Erlick Robinson
Oct 4, 2011·The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease·Karen Michele Abrams, Gail Erlick Robinson
Mar 29, 2014·Violence and Victims·Daniela Acquadro MaranMassimo Zedda
Mar 30, 2018·Frontiers in Psychology·Daniela Acquadro Maran, Antonella Varetto
May 7, 2020·Psychiatry Research·K W F ScheepstraM G van Pampus

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