What is Erotomania?
Erotomania is a very rare mental health disorder. The sufferer will feel that there is another person who loves him very much.
The other person in question could be from celebrity circles, social circles, people who have a fairly high social position, or even people he has just met.
However, this feeling is actually just a delusion experienced by erotomania sufferers.
In fact, in most cases of this disorder, the sufferer has never met the person they think they like.
Symptoms of Erotomania
The main symptom of this condition is the false belief that someone is attracted to, likes, or loves the sufferer.
A person with this condition may talk about people they think like them constantly.
People with erotomania will also be obsessed with meeting or communicating with that person so they can be together.
In addition, there are several common symptoms, such as:
- If the other person is a celebrity, the sufferer will continue to send letters, post photos, and even send gifts.
- Frequently communicate with that person.
- Feel the person is making communication through eye contact and body movements.
- Feelings of jealousy arise towards the surrounding environment, relatives, family, and partners who are close to the person.
- Feeling disappointed when those closest to you realize that the feelings you feel are wrong and mistaken.
Causes of Erotomania
When you have delusions, you may have difficulty processing social cues appropriately.
In fact, you will make mistakes in reading someone’s face and body language.
This condition makes you think that the person likes you and is interested in getting to know you, when in fact they don’t.
In fact, you will not hesitate to tell stories that you created yourself to increase your self-esteem to feel more comfortable.
Stress or depression can trigger someone to experience delusions. Conditions can cause someone to experience erotomania.
Erotomania Risk Factors
Erotomania is at risk of occurring when someone has a history of previous mental health disorders.
There are several mental disorders that can trigger someone to suffer from this condition, such as schizophrenia, dementia, and bipolar disorder.
In addition, the appearance of a tumor in the brain can also cause disorders in a person that triggers this condition.
The use of alcohol or illegal drugs also increases the risk of someone experiencing erotomania.
This disorder also often occurs due to several of the following triggering factors, such as:
- Female gender.
- Having low self-confidence.
- Feeling lonely or rejected.
- Isolate yourself.
- Unable to accept other people’s points of view.
Diagnosis of Erotomania
This mental health disorder can be a dangerous condition.
This is also often not realized by the sufferer or the family around him.
It is best to immediately have a health check to determine the cause of the health problems that occur.
Although there is no specific examination that can diagnose erotomania, a psychologist or psychiatrist can help to treat this condition appropriately.
Erotomania Treatment
If not treated immediately, erotomania can cause serious harm because sufferers can be driven to do negative things.
Such as stalking, trying to meet, even talking directly to people who they think have the same feelings even though they don’t actually know each other.
In severe cases, people with erotomania may even commit acts of abuse.
This condition also poses a risk to the sufferer’s own safety, because they could harm themselves when told that what they have believed all this time is just an illusion.
Therefore, treatment for erotomania must be carried out immediately, and sufferers need to be under strict supervision.
Here are some treatment methods that can be done to overcome erotomania:
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Counseling with a psychiatrist
The first step in dealing with this condition is to consult a psychiatrist.
After consultation, sufferers can receive appropriate therapy, including treatment for other mental conditions that may be the cause of erotomania.
Psychiatrists will tailor treatment based on each individual’s condition and needs.
Treatment generally focuses on improving the sufferer’s social functioning and quality of life.
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Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Psychotherapy aims to provide a space for sufferers to express their symptoms freely.
This therapy helps patients become aware of reality and find more effective ways to deal with the problems they face.
Meanwhile, cognitive behavioral therapy is aimed at helping patients understand the actual condition they are experiencing.
Thus, patients can control the symptoms that arise and choose appropriate coping strategies.
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Administration of Antipsychotic Drugs
In addition to psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, your doctor may also prescribe antipsychotic medications such as clozapine, risperidone, and olanzapine to relieve symptoms.
These drugs are also often used in schizophrenia patients.
If the condition is caused by bipolar disorder or depression, the doctor may add antimanic and antidepressant drugs to treat the condition.
Complications of Erotomania
If not treated properly, this condition can lead to worse mental health disorders.
In fact, this disorder can also be a dangerous condition for people who are thought to like erotomania sufferers.
The person may experience acts of violence or discomfort.
Prevention of Erotomania
There is no specific prevention that can prevent someone from getting this condition.
However, make sure to always maintain your mental health so that you can avoid various disorders that can occur.
