Lima syndrome is basically a situation between the hostage taker and the hostage taken. It may cause the hostage taker to overthink and become emotionally attached to the hostage person. Although Stockholm syndrome and Lima syndrome are confused, the two syndromes are actually the exact opposite of each other. Although both are psychological reactions that occur in hostage-taking incidents, they have different aspects. In Stockholm Syndrome, hostages develop sympathy and loyalty towards the hostage taker. In Lima syndrome, the hostage taker/s show sympathy and loyalty towards the hostages.
What is Lima syndrome?
We can answer the question of what Lima syndrome means as follows:
This syndrome is when the hostage taker develops sympathy and loyalty towards the hostages in a hostage situation. This situation is characterized by the fact that the hostage taker begins to see the hostages as human beings and cares about their safety and well-being. The story of Lima syndrome is as follows:
Lima syndrome takes its name from a hostage incident that took place in Lima, Peru’s capital, in 1996. In this case, the following happens:
Members of the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement take Japan’s ambassador to Peru and 72 people in the embassy hostage. During the 4-month hostage crisis, a bond was formed between the hostage takers and the hostages. The hostage takers provided food and water to the hostages and even assisted in the medical treatment of some. By the end of the crisis, most of the hostages sympathized with the hostage takers and forgave them.
What are the symptoms of Lima syndrome?
The consequences of Lima syndrome may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the hostage situation. In some cases, Lima syndrome can lead to the peaceful release of hostages. In other cases, it may cause a conflict between the hostage taker and the hostages. Lima syndrome symptoms are as follows:
- The hostage taker shows sympathy and compassion towards the hostages
- Hostage taker providing food, water and medical aid to hostages
- The hostage taker chats with the hostages and listens to their stories
- Hostage taker defending the freedom of hostages
Is there a treatment for Lima syndrome?
Lima syndrome is a psychological reaction that occurs in hostage situations. The hostage taker develops sympathy and loyalty towards the hostages, it works like the inverse of Stockholm syndrome. This situation manifests itself when the hostage taker begins to see the hostages as human beings and cares about their safety and well-being.
There is no single treatment for Lima syndrome. Treatment of Lima syndrome must be tailored to the specific needs of the hostages and the hostage taker. However, several methods can be used to help hostages and the hostage taker heal after the traumatic experience:
- Psychotherapy
- support groups
- Medication
- Family and friend support
- Education
- long term maintenance
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical question, it is important to consult your doctor.