[Psychiatrists as victims of stalking]

Stalking is defined as notorious following, menacing, harassing, and contacting of a victim against his or her declared will. Such behavior can occur in a variety of psychiatric disorders. Attending physicians can also become victims of stalking. Especially psychiatrists appear to have a high risk of being stalked. Up to now, only a few studies investigated stalking behavior of patients aimed at medical professionals. In most cases, it was investigated together with aggressive behavior and sexual harassment. Cases of psychiatrists being stalked by patients or clients have not been described in detail. This case report describes a patient with erotomania who developed stalking behavior and victimized his attending psychiatrist. The relevance of stalking for clinical practice, the context of stalking behavior, and underlying psychiatric disorders and legal issues are discussed.