Obsession with a particular person is a disease, there is no doubt about this fact. The fact that "Obsession with a particular person" is a disease can be validated through the following reasons:
1. Obsessing after a particular individual, takes away the focus from my own development (personally and academically), to that on another person. I am thus wasting useful productive time.
2. I may be obsessing after a particular individual for an ulterior motive (intention). The intention whether "good" of "bad" are both wrong. The "good" intention may be that, for example, I am trying to get an "incapable individual" to a certain standard. The "good" intention may also be wrong, because that individual is not interested in what your plans may be for him/her and is simply not destined for that field of expertise. There are no questions about the fact that "bad" intentions are simply intolerable, this is again because the person obsessing after another may have very evil intentions and thus unnecessary (uncalled for) problems.
3. The individual obsessing after another individual cannot find their way towards their own development. In the process of obsessing after a particular individual, the obsessor takes irrational decisions, all for their own downfall and destruction. For example, an obsessor, to gain the attention of a particular individual, goes to the particular individuals house forcibly (through crooked means) and creates a ruckus. The ruckus need not have been created had obsessors focussed on their own development. Examples of own development are taking up sports activities, taking up arts as a hobby or studying something you would have liked to study as a child, but could not; and many more, all aimed towards developing your own self as a better individual, with something that your children or near and dear could learn from.
Discussion: Obsession can and has reached "pandemic proportions". However, we must try and save ourselves from obsessing after a particular individual.
"Obsession with a particular person" is a disease?
As a psychologist, I say that obsession with a particular person is a disease. I fully subscribe to what you say regarding such a disease. Yes, I subscribe to what you say. And, of course, obsession can reach pandemic and gigantic proportions.
Your three points nicely illustrate key characteristics of a person who has an obsession with a given person. Of a person who developed an obsession with another person, we can say that she or he gave up being himself/herself just to please the target of his/her obsession. Generally, obsession goes hand in hand with compulsion.
To my understanding, it is crystal clear that if we say that obsession may not be a disease, then we are emitting, as it were, a metaphysical claim in the sense that such a claim can never be tested. In other words, if obsession may not be a disease, then the opposite can be also the case, i..e. obsession may be a disease.
To put it simple, when conceptual clarity is in lack nothing can be concluded in scientific in terms. This is an unassailable claim pseudoscientists will never accept. Let them be so. The world is plural and speaks in different voices.
While not classified as a disease in the traditional medical sense, an excessive and all-consuming obsession with a specific individual can be considered a psychological issue. Obsessive attachment, often rooted in insecurity, can lead to harmful behaviors such as intrusive thoughts, possessiveness, and an inability to focus on other aspects of life. It can strain relationships, impact emotional well-being, and hinder personal growth. Recognizing the line between genuine affection and an unhealthy fixation is crucial. Seeking support from mental health professionals can offer guidance in managing these feelings and fostering healthier emotional connections.
May or may be not a disease, an obsessive attachment has dramatic effects on a person who has an obsession with a particular person, a given job, or even a certain thing. When an obsessive attachment is the case, the obsessor ceases, as it were, to live his/her life and lives as a function of his/her target of obsession. I don't know this from reading books or earsaying. I know this from my contact with persons who developed an obsession with someone or something. Even though there are biological predispositions for the appearance of obsessive behaviors, too often obsessive behaviors are due to life events. Said differently, obsessive behaviors are personality's states, not traits. When obsessive behaviors are the case, people who have such behaviors cease, to a great extent, to be themselves to be the target of their obsession.
It is an unhealthy or addictive behavior (illness) that can end up in a dis-ease Aradhana Rani because ill feelings and thoughts lead to a chronic sickness of mind and body, in pathological terms, e.g. negative bio-feedback.
When I think of a disease, be it physical or mental ,I prefer to think of it as a set of behaviors, thoughts or emotions, to an internal or external entity. I see no good in the reification of any type of disease. If, for example, we say to an illiterate mother in psychology that her son suffers from the Asperger's syndrome she will remain at complete darkness. Will not it be better to mention her the typical behaviors of such a syndrome and how she can tackle them?
Good question, Dr Aradhana Rani
If the individual who the 'victim' of this obsession is aware of it, it could put him or her into an uncomfortable, unenviable position.
Depends what you're talking about,
1) age matters, young and old .
Peer pressure or possession, clingy and emotional seeking etc.
2)There is a cultural/ attitude or habit one type too.
3 Also there is a disorder, condition called obsessive possessive disorder.
There is also psychology illness is another one when I e needs to be given such attention as care. Cannot be dismissed. The care must be professionally, and with diagnosis.
Be careful not to label one wrongly and not to overreact.