Reported Experiences of Stalking Behavior from Patients towards Psychiatrists from the Atlantic Provinces of Canada | Chapter 06 | Current Trends in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 3
Introduction:
Stalking is repeated
acts, experienced as
unpleasantly intrusive, that
creates apprehension and can
be understood by
reasonably prudent persons
as grounds for
becoming fearful. Doctors and healthcare professionals are at greater
risk than the general population of being stalked, particularly by their
patients. Stalking behaviour is particularly significant among psychiatric
patients that put mental health professionals at a greater risk of being
victimized. Stalkers generally come from turbulent backgrounds, having
experienced violent childhood, loss of caretaker, contact with criminal justice
system, social isolation and significant losses a year prior to stalking
behavior.
Aim:
A study was conducted to assess the magnitude of stalking experienced by
psychiatrists, its’ effects and actions taken to ameliorate the problem.
Methods:
A cross sectional study to assess the magnitude of stalking the consequent
effects on the psychological, social and occupational life of psychiatrists;
and any preventative measure taken was conducted from
July 2009-April 2010. A
questionnaire was sent
to 301 psychiatrists
practicing in Atlantic Canada.
Local Ethics approval was obtained.
Results:
Of the 308 psychiatrists sent surveys, 116 responded (37.6%; 67 males and 47
females).One questionnaire was invalid. (Twenty-nine (15
males and 14
females) reported experiences
of stalking. Fifty-eight (50.4%) were above age 50, 49 (42.6%) were between ages 35-50 and (8) 7%
were younger than
35. In the
study cohort, 39(33.6%)
psychiatrists were in pure
clinical practice, 4(3.4%) were
in academic practice
and 71(61.2%) had
combined clinical and
academic practice. Among the
subspecialties, 73(62.9%) psychiatrists
were practicing general
adult psychiatry, 19(16.4%) were
child and adolescent
psychiatrists, 6(5.2%) in
geriatric psychiatry, 4(3.4%)
in consultation-liaison,
5(4.3%) in forensic,
1(0.9%) in developmental
disability and 7(6.0%)
were in other psychiatric
specialties. Of 115 psychiatrists, 53(46.1%) were in practice for more than 15
years, 16 (13.9%) were from 11–15 years, 29 (25.2%)-from 5 to 10 years and
17(14.8%) were in practice for less than 5 years. There was no significant differences
[OR] (Odds Ratio values), p-values>0.05) in reported stalked for age or
length of psychiatric practice. However, there was strong association of
stalking with the distress experienced by the psychiatrists (p=0.00).
Conclusion:
The problem of stalking does
exist in the
Atlantic Provinces of
Canada and causes immense psychological, professional
and social distress
among psychiatrists who
fall victim to stalking
behavior. The majority
of mental health
professionals are unaware
of any laws
against stalking in Canada. There is a need for more effective
education, support services and redress if we are to ameliorate the burden
associated with stalking behaviours.
Author(s) Details
Dr. Amin Ali Muhammad Gadit
Department of Psychiatry,
Memorial University of New foundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada.
Gerry Mugford
Department of Epidemiology
and Pharmacy, Memorial University of New foundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada.
Terrence Callanan
Clinical Epidemiology,
Memorial University of New foundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada.
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