Psychology In Seattle Podcast Limerence Deep Dive (Chapter 6 - Stalking and Other Behaviors)
Dec 3, 2025
Dive deep into the intriguing world of limerence, exploring whether TikToker Kendra's experience showcases this complex emotional state. Discover how AI chatbots influenced her beliefs and the fine line between evidence and interpretation. Kirk Honda outlines essential criteria for recognizing limerence, comparing it to addiction cycles while debating treatment implications. Get a sneak peek into behavioral and physical symptoms, including stalking, that accompany this phenomenon. This discussion reveals both the psychological intricacies and societal impact of romantic obsession.
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Viral TikTok Case Study
- Kirk Honda recounts the viral TikToker 'Kendra' who claimed she fell in love with her psychiatrist and accused him of manipulation.
- He explains he reviewed her videos and considered whether she might have limerence, while noting limits of remote assessment.
Proposed Diagnostic Threshold
- Kirk proposes a working DSM-style definition for limerence disorder requiring at least three months of intrusive preoccupation.
- He emphasizes the preoccupation must be intense, involuntary, and focused on obtaining emotional reciprocation from a specific person.
Addictive Cycle At Limerence Core
- He argues the central feature of limerence is an addictive-like cycle of craving, anticipation, mental reward, and withdrawal.
- Kirk links limerence's cycle to the same brain processes seen in substance and behavioral addictions.