NEW RESEARCH HAS INDICATED THAT CYBER-STALKING IS A COMPLEX MENTAL ILLNESS. MOST CYBER-BULLIES USUALLY SUFFER FROM MORE THAN ONE MENTAL ILLNESS. THIS KIND OF ILLNESS CAN BE EASY TO DIAGNOSE BUT DIFFICULT TO TREAT. MOST CYBERSTALKERS WILL NEVER ADMIT THAT THEY ARE SICK AND NEED HELP. IT CAN BE HARD FOR STALKERS TO SEPARATE TRUTH FROM A LIE AND FANTASY FROM REALITY. SIMILAR-TO SPLIT PERSONALITY DISORDER. AS WITH ANY MENTAL DISORDER IT WILL WORSEN OVER TIME.
THESE INDIVIDUALS TEND TO BLAME OTHERS FOR THEIR UNBALANCED AND TROUBLED LIFE. NOTHING IS EVER THEIR FAULT. THE WORLD IS OUT TO GET THEM. IN THE MIND OF A STALKER-THEY ARE THE ONE'S BEING PERSECUTED. ALSO-THEY MAY RATIONALIZE AND TWIST FACTS SO IT APPEARS THEIR VICTIM DESERVED TO BE HARASSED AND BULLIED. DEFAMING THE VICTIM ALSO OCCURS MANY TIMES IN THESE CASES. STARKERS APPEAR HEARTLESS AND SELF-ABSORBED: THEY VIEW THE WORLD MUCH DIFFERENT THAN AN EMOTIONALLY BALANCED PERSON.
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RESEARCHERS--Have stated conclusively that 'CYBER-STALKING and/or Cyber-bullying can be related to mental disorders. Any one would agree that any person that' spends time on line bullying, stalking and harassing another is not quite right in the head. New research confirms that On-line bullying can be directly related to OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive disorder). In addition, those who suffer from Depression and Bi-Polar disorder can easily become On-Line Bullies.
Not only can mental disturbances within the cortex part of the brain cause abnormal behavior and compulsive tendencies. Low self-worth, anti-social behavior, anger issues are all contributing factors that Cyber-Stalkers have in common. Anti-social behavior and the inability to express ones feelings openly can easily cause Cyber-Stalking behavior. Therefore, personality defects and environmental surroundings can also factor into one becoming a Cyber-Bully.
Since On-line stalkers have difficulty expressing their feelings and desires to friends, family, spouse etc, they feel safe behind a computer screen far removed from society. On-line bullies can express themselves on-line quite easily. They seem to have no fear while on-line. Cyber-bullies can express Jealousy, Fear, Hatred, Loneliness, even violence on-line without fear of consequences. Therefore- the Internet provides the perfect forum for someone whom is Lonely, Angry, Frustrated, Bitter etc.
The Internet may be an "Dream Come True" for the anti-social personality type. Even with advanced technological resources which can help identify a Cyber-Bully, it doesn't seem to deter this illegal activity. On-line bullies seldom think about ever getting caught. All they seem to think about is how they can Control, Upset and Terrorize their intended victim. Getting caught isn't something stalkers think about very often.
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION-can be present in a large percentage of Cyber-Stalkers. Cyber-bullies can many times suffer from Sexual Obsession or Addiction. They will frequent Pornography and Sexual related web sites. Also, they crave Sexual Stimulation and many will seek out "Sex for Sale" or Prostitute services. Cyber-bullies normally lack an intimate bond with a significant other. Therefore-sex with many partners is common among these disturbed individuals. They will justify Immoral and Illegal behavior at all costs.
*The Pathology Involved with Stalking & Other Compulsive Related Behaviors:
PATHOLOGICAL LYING- is another common trait among online stalkers. Over 77% of on-line bullies lie in a deliberate and pathological manner. They have few friends and strained relations with family. The reason for the strained relations is because the stalker's life is so secretive and abnormal that they fear family and friends will discover their bazaar and unacceptable behaviors if they become too close. BOTTOM LINE-Most Cyber-Stalkers are LONERS.
LYING IS ESSENTIAL- to the Cyber-Stalker in order to keep their actions a secret. Over time as the stalker becomes sicker and more withdrawn, the LYING will become more intense. After a while a Cyber-Stalker can not distinguish between FANTASY and REALITY or MORALITY from IMMORALITY. They live in a dangerous and isolated cocoon in which they make their own rules.
*Summary Conclusion:
LAWS MEAN NOTHING to a Cyber-Bully. They seldom think about consequences and most don't consider that Cyber-bullying & Harassment is a FELONY CRIME.
TREATMENT is available but very complex. Most Stalkers will NEVER admit wrong doing or seek help. Even convicted Stalkers will still act as if they are in denial. They show no remorse for breaking the law and have no feeling of sorrow for those they hurt. Treatment would involve Intensive Psycho-Therapy and Medication. The part of the brain responsible for emotions, feelings, hunger etc doesn't function properly thus causing abnormal behaviors.
TREATMENT/ MEDICATION THERAPY- each patient responds differently. However, medication used to treat Depression, Anxiety and Compulsive disorders has been used. Because this illness involves chemicals within the brain, it's possible that Lithium Carbonate may hold promise for the future. Seroquel has been considered in treating this disorder. Medication must be taken every day for at least three weeks before any behavioral changes can be observed. These medications would more than likely have to be taken indefinitely.
FOCUS NEEDS TO BE PLACED ON justice for stalking victims. Since most stalkers refuse help and blame the victim, more emphasis needs to be placed on the victim getting justice. Help is available however, stalkers are so hard to deal with that most will not seek help unless forced or ordered by the Courts.
*Research Studies:
HARVARD RESEARCHERS continue to study the habits and actions of Cyber-Stalkers. Hopefully newer and more affective treatments will become available. For now-OCD can be directly related to the behaviors of a Stalker. Split Personality Disorder may also factor into this disorder. Genetics may play a role in Cyber-Stalking behavior. Proper diagnosis is CRITICAL.
CYBER-STALKING can involve Revenge seeking behavior and it should never be ignored. When someone is seeking revenge the situation can become severe.