Is there such a thing as "a pathological need for affection"?

Question

And if there is, is it a component of a certain mental illness? Is there a cognitive therapy to deal with it?

I appreciate your input.

Answer 1

Probably yea.

Pretty pathetic, isn't it ?  

Answer 2

yeah, well spoke, joe. There probably is. People who have it has probably gotten no affection when they were young or too much affection when they were young.

Answer 3

Yes, there is. I have a cat with this mental disorder. She has a constant need to hang on me and be with me. The other ones act normal. I've met a couple of guys that wanted my full attention every day and it was all I could do to get rid of them. You can't tell your cat to get lost, but you can tell people that.

Answer 4

Yes, I'd say we all have a pathological need for affection.

As far as treatment goes for people who are crippled with this need, I think that it is a person to person thing and the best place to start would be to determine the cause. It's also most likely deeply rooted in a person's self esteem.

Answer 5

I think there is and it stems form low self-esteem. That's why need constant reassurance from others in the form of affection to help you cope with your lack of esteem. Be yourself and stop trying to please everyone.