Public Figure Fixation: Cautionary Findings for Mental Health Practitioners

Research in western nations has found that pathologically fixated individuals pose a risk of serious harm to public figures, and that many of these fixated persons are mentally ill and require treatment. Over the past decade, integrated fixated threat assessment agencies have been established in wes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Behavioral sciences & the law 2016-09, Vol.34 (5), p.681-692
Main Authors: Pathé, Michele T., Lowry, Timothy J., Haworth, Debbie J., Winterbourne, Paul, Day, Leanne
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Attitude of Health Personnel
Behavior disorders
Commitment of Mentally Ill
Community Mental Health Services - methods
Famous Persons
Female
Humans
Male
Mental disorders
Mental Disorders - psychology
Mental Disorders - therapy
Mental Health Services
Mentally Ill Persons - psychology
Middle Aged
Psychiatry
Public figures
Queensland
Risk assessment
Risk Assessment - methods
Risk Factors
Stalking - psychology
Stalking - therapy
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Summary:Research in western nations has found that pathologically fixated individuals pose a risk of serious harm to public figures, and that many of these fixated persons are mentally ill and require treatment. Over the past decade, integrated fixated threat assessment agencies have been established in western Europe and Australia to specifically assess and manage this group. The current study examines 400 consecutive referrals to a fixated threat assessment center in Queensland, Australia, with a particular focus on the mental health and risk profile of those who engage in inappropriate contact with public office holders. It considers the high proportion of delusional disorders in this cohort, and their identification and management by psychiatric services. The authors conclude with a discussion of the mental health response to this group and impediments to mitigating the risks posed by fixated persons. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ISSN:0735-3936
1099-0798
DOI:10.1002/bsl.2252