DR. JOHN'S CASE NOTES........................................................................... Bridge players suffer from all kinds syndromes, all of which over time will be covered in this blog. However, one of the most unusual and startling conditions I have ever encountered is the PATTY HEARST SYNDROME. This was first first recognised (and labelled) after the grand-daughter of a publishing baron was kidnapped from her apartment in the April of 1974 by a leftist Symbionese Liberation Army group. During her ordeal she developed increasing sympathy with her cruel and demanding captors, becoming so attached to them she eventually took an active part in their subsequent bank robberies. Some bridge players, who find themselves under siege from their hostile, irate, and frustrated partners, also develop..... contrary to any rational explanations......... an unhealthy respect and admiration for their over-bearing mentors. This attachment phenomenon is quite common in many bridge pairings up and down the country. However, the most likely scenario for when people might fall victim to this syndrome is when the need for self-preservation becomes severely acute. An irreversible defence mechanism locks in, whereby the fear of violent retribution for any contemplated acts of resistance can be completely removed by a process of self-delusion. This requires the victims to first accept the notion that acts of aggression perpetrated against them have only been for their own good. Ultimately, the habit of blindly obeying orders then translates itself into the delusion that the aggressors must be great people ....kings infact...... worthy of everlasting adulation and praise.