Dealing with Obsessive Fans: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals

How to deal with patient harassment?

Hello, I have a foreign artist friend who regularly performs in Taiwan every few years.
He is quite famous in this circle and has many admirers.
Due to my work being related to writing and having my own website, I have been receiving letters from an unknown woman, referred to as A, over the past three to four years.
She expresses her affection for my friend and believes that he reciprocates her feelings.
Of course, my friend does not know A, and I have ignored her letters.

However, A's behavior escalated dramatically since the end of last year, with a significant increase in the frequency of her letters.
She interprets my friend's creative work as expressions of love directed toward her and insists that my articles published on my website are "hints" about my friend's feelings (she believes I have already informed my friend about everything and know his response, but I am intentionally withholding it to "prevent her from getting married" or to deliberately interfere with her romantic pursuits).

In July of this year, A claimed that her "intuition" told her that my friend had agreed to her marriage proposal.
Consequently, she pressured me to inquire about the exact wedding date, the method of the ceremony, my friend's ring size, the necessary documentation for marriage, and whether she should resign from her job.
As my friend's visit to Taiwan approaches, I am increasingly concerned: A knows what my friend and I look like, while we know nothing about her, and she has previously expressed intense jealousy toward the female staff around my friend.

Could a patient like A exhibit aggressive behavior? If she were to suddenly appear in a public setting, how should I respond? How can I protect myself? In April of this year, I attempted to ask her in a neutral tone to stop writing to me and to direct any inquiries to my friend's management company.
However, she only interpreted everything according to her own logic, believing in her "intuitive insights," completely distorting the content of the letters, making communication impossible.

M.M., 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/23

Dr. Liu Guangqi reply Psychiatry

As you mentioned, the content of A's letters reflects unrealistic thoughts, differing from fantasies and delusions.
Fantasies are akin to daydreaming; A may only briefly become fixated on these thoughts while writing, temporarily expressing beliefs that feel real, while otherwise continuing her daily life.
If a person behaves this way, it indicates a personality that is somewhat different from the norm, involving certain psychological defense mechanisms.
In contrast, delusions are characterized by a firm belief in unrealistic ideas (such as jealousy delusions, relational delusions, grandiose delusions, etc.), which can lead to unpredictable behaviors (including violence and harm to others).

According to the correspondence, A's mental and behavioral conditions fall within the realm of psychiatry; however, the approach to intervention is multifaceted, with many aspects extending beyond the medical framework.
If A repeatedly expresses unrealistic thoughts via email and it has become distressing for you, you may consider providing evidence of the harassment to the police, as their cybercrime unit can offer the assistance you need.
Alternatively, you could discuss the situation with your friend's management company to determine a more appropriate course of action.

I understand your frustration and pressure; regardless of A's intentions in writing such letters, it fundamentally reflects behaviors typical of a stalker.
You should seek assistance from various sources.
Attached are references on psychological defense mechanisms, including fantasy, dissociation, and projection, as well as descriptions of delusional disorders from national online hospitals for your reference.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2006/08/23

More Info

Dealing with obsessive fans can be a complex and sensitive issue, particularly when it involves individuals who may exhibit signs of mental health disorders. In your situation, it appears that the individual, referred to as "A," is displaying obsessive behaviors towards your friend, a well-known foreign artist. This type of behavior can stem from various psychological issues, including obsessive love disorder, which is characterized by an overwhelming preoccupation with another person, often leading to distorted perceptions of reality.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that individuals like A may not fully grasp the boundaries of healthy admiration versus unhealthy obsession. Their fixation can lead to irrational thoughts and behaviors, such as believing that their feelings are reciprocated or that they have a special connection with the object of their affection. This can escalate to a point where they may feel justified in their actions, even if those actions are intrusive or harmful to others.

Given A's increasing intensity in communication and her belief that your friend is in love with her, it is crucial to approach the situation with caution. Here are some steps you can take to manage this situation effectively:
1. Establish Clear Boundaries: It is important to communicate clearly and firmly with A that her behavior is inappropriate and unwelcome. Since you have already attempted this, consider reiterating your message through a more formal channel, such as an email or a letter, stating that you will no longer engage in correspondence with her. Make it clear that any further communication will be ignored.

2. Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications from A, including dates, times, and the content of her messages. This documentation can be crucial if the situation escalates and you need to involve authorities or legal counsel.

3. Involve Authorities if Necessary: If A's behavior continues to escalate or if you feel threatened in any way, do not hesitate to contact local authorities. They can provide guidance on how to handle the situation and may be able to intervene if necessary.

4. Consult with Mental Health Professionals: It may be beneficial to seek advice from mental health professionals who specialize in obsessive behaviors. They can provide insights into how to manage the situation and may offer strategies for your friend to deal with potential encounters with A.

5. Prepare for Public Encounters: Since you mentioned the possibility of A showing up in public, it is wise to have a plan in place. This could include having a trusted friend accompany you and your friend during public appearances or performances. Additionally, inform venue security about the situation so they can be on alert for any unusual behavior.

6. Prioritize Safety: Your safety and the safety of your friend should be the top priority. If you feel that A poses a risk, take proactive measures to protect yourself, such as avoiding sharing personal information about your friend or their schedule publicly.

7. Encourage Professional Help for A: While it may be challenging to communicate with A effectively, if there is an opportunity to suggest that she seek professional help, it could be beneficial. However, this should be approached delicately, as individuals with obsessive tendencies may not be receptive to such suggestions.

In conclusion, dealing with obsessive fans requires a careful balance of assertiveness and caution. By setting clear boundaries, documenting interactions, and involving professionals when necessary, you can help protect yourself and your friend from potential harm. Remember, it is essential to prioritize safety and mental well-being in these situations.

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