NCJ Number
169623
Journal
Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic Volume: 53 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 477-492
Date Published
1989
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the empirical literature concerning erotomania and develops an object relations understanding of the disorder.
Abstract
The article hypothesizes that erotomania occurs in two forms: the clinically accepted delusional form in which patients believe that another person is in love with them; and borderline erotomania in which no delusion is present, yet an extreme disorder of attachment is apparent in the pursuit of, and in the potential for violence toward, the unrequited love object. The article develops an object relations understanding of the disorder which focuses on the presence of narcissistic, hysterical, paranoid and psychopathic traits in the erotomanic individual, and develops a psychoanalytic understanding of the individual's wish to injure or kill the once-loved and now-hated object of affection. The article suggests consideration of several guidelines when evaluating and treating erotomanic individuals, including: (1) assessment of the individual's personality structure and functioning; (2) two types of descriptive diagnoses; (3) narcoleptic medications; (4) legal interventions to protect the love object; and (5) urging the officers of the court to act judiciously when managing such an individual. Notes, references