Stalking behaviour by patients towards psychiatrists in a large mental health organization.
BACKGROUND
Mental health professionals are at greater risk than the general population of being stalked, particularly by patients.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of stalking behaviour by patients towards psychiatrists and ascertain patient characteristics.


METHODS
Semi-structured questionnaire to all psychiatrists (n = 324) working in a large mental health organization.


RESULTS
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%).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
McIvor
Ronan J
RJ
Maudsley Hospial and Institue of Psychiatry, London. ronan.mcivor@slam.nhs.uk
Potter
Laurence
L
Davies
Lisa
L
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055807:Stalking