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The pathological extensions of love
1Monash University, Australia.
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Pathological love, often a mix of infatuation and delusion, can manifest symptomatically or purely. These love disorders risk distress, harassment, and potential violence, often going unrecognized in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- The nature of pathological love requires further clarification.
- Understanding the spectrum of love pathologies is crucial for effective intervention.
Observation:
- A series of 16 cases with pathological love (erotomania) were personally assessed.
- Cases presented predominantly from forensic practice.
Findings:
- Pathologies of love typically involve morbid infatuation and a delusional belief of being loved.
- These disorders can present symptomatically within broader mental illnesses or as a distinct 'pure' form in vulnerable personalities.
- A significant proportion of these disorders remain unrecognized, hindering appropriate clinical management.
Implications:
- Pathological love causes significant patient distress and disruption.
- The objects of pathological affection face risks ranging from harassment to violence.
- Even without overt violence, the distress from pursuit and harassment is substantial and should be clinically recognized.