What is 'Stockholm Syndrome' and How Are Hospitals Preparing to Receive the Hostages?

In major hospitals such as Sheba, Beilinson, and Ichilov, comprehensive preparations are underway to receive hostages expected to return from captivity. Beyond physical medical care, medical teams are bracing for complex psychological effects, including "Stockholm Syndrome"—a rare condition where a victim develops positive feelings towards their captors and may even sympathize with them.

This syndrome, first identified in the 1970s following a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, has become a recognized concept in psychology. During that event, hostages developed an emotional bond with the robbers, expressing empathy and resisting police efforts to free them. Since then, the syndrome has been identified in various situations where people are under prolonged control, such as domestic violence or ongoing abuse.

According to Dr. Itay Gal, who wrote about this in a column on the Maariv website, treatment of Stockholm Syndrome involves intervention by multi-disciplinary professional teams—including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and doctors. The treatment begins by creating a safe environment for victims, allowing them to process the traumatic experience. Simultaneously, personal psychological therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps in altering the distorted thought patterns that developed.

In severe cases, medication may be necessary to alleviate symptoms like depression and anxiety. The family also plays a significant role in the rehabilitation process, which is why teams conduct training to integrate family members into the treatment and emotional support. Dr. Gal explains, "In addition to personal therapy, it's important to involve family members in the rehabilitation process. The family can be an important source of support, but may sometimes feel frustrated or confused about the victim's emotional connection to the perpetrator. Training families helps create a supportive and strengthening environment."

The Link Between Trauma and Physiology

Besides mental aspects, prolonged psychological trauma can lead to physiological impacts such as high blood pressure, sleep problems, and fatigue. Therefore, the healthcare system focuses on providing comprehensive medical monitoring alongside psychological treatment.

Hospitals are preparing with dedicated departments and skilled teams, providing comprehensive care to victims, including long-term support after their release. Additionally, a network of community support centers will accompany individuals returning to routine, equipping them with tools to handle the emotional and physical aftermath of captivity.

With proper preparation, it is possible to offer professional responses to victims of the syndrome, helping them recover and reintegrate into life. The multi-disciplinary support offered in Israel serves as a progressive model for addressing complex traumatic events.