Sarah Levy, Psy.D., Beverly Hills, California
I have recently read the book Stranger in the Mirror by a
psychiatrist, Marlene Steinberg, M.D. in order to immerse myself more in
the topic of dissociation. When something really shocking happens, we all
experience vague feelings of de-realization. I remember my purse being
snatched once when I was about 20 and coming home having that odd
feeling. Certainly being abducted through a window in the middle of the
night could lead to that feeling rather than the more protective one of
fight-or-flight. This would be especially so for a child coming from a
normal, ordinary family where fighting was not common, and drama never
happened. Now, in the midst of experiencing some level of dissociation, a
person is in a trance-like state where their powers of logic and reality
are suspended. Thus, any input coming in is not challenged. Rather, it is
accepted as real. In short, the "brainwasher" can implant new realities
to supercede the old ones. This might also explain why Edward Smart has
to ask the public to fill in the story: Elizabeth wasn't "there" in the
sense of being conscious of the process. Of course, all this is
supposition.
Debby Schwarz Hirschhorn, Ph.D., Boca Raton,
Flordia
Ms. Smart will be dealing with the results of this horrible
encounter and crime for the rest of her life, in one way or another. Such
an experience profoundly changes how one views the world. The current
publicity of this event can also be traumatic, and psychologically
damaging. It raises issues of guilt and confusion among family members.
Her father appears wise by not trying to push his daughter. But he and
the rest of the family walk a thin line of doing too much or too
little.
Jeffrey Kaye, Ph.D., San Francisco.
California
I would like to encourage resources in the Salt Lake City area to
consider the" Stockholm syndrome." As was noted with Patty Hearst, the
effects of such a kidnapping can extend themselves in both time and
behavior (not to mention cognitions and affect). Given her strong family
support, it is hoped that the effects of the Stockholm Syndrome on
Elizabeth can be minimized or ameliorated.
Alan Garrison, Ph.D., Roswell, Georgia
Tags:
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patty hearst,
patty hearst syndrome,
post traumatic stress disorder,
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