title: Psychiatrists' experiences of being stalked: a qualitative analysis.
abstract: Stalking is a well-recognized social phenomenon, one that particularly affects health care professionals, especially psychiatrists and other mental health workers; however, the nature and effects of stalking of psychiatrists have not been examined in detail. This study is a qualitative thematic analysis of the free-text responses of 2,585 psychiatrists in the United Kingdom (approximately 25% of all U.K. psychiatrists), almost 11 percent of whom described being stalked according to a strict research definition, and 21 percent of whom perceived themselves as having been stalked. It demonstrates that threat minimization, negative psychological impact, awareness of vulnerability, and difficulty obtaining help were major themes in how psychiatrists viewed their experiences of being stalked. It shows how some psychiatrists coped better than others and makes suggestions for appropriate professional support.
authors.affiliation: Three Bridges Regional Secure Unit, Uxbridge Road, Southall, UK. david.reiss@wlmht.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maclean
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reiss
authors.forename: Seán
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Whyte
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Christopherson
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Petch
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Penny
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001143:Arousal; D001364:Awareness; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D040261:Harm Reduction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D010379:Peer Group; D010815:Physician Impairment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D016495:Police; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D055807:Stalking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom