Reaction to a child’s diagnosis can strongly affect the parent, but little is known about the aspects of the diagnostic process associated with such reactions. The pre-diagnostic levels of anxiety, depression, and parenting stress of 67 volunteer mothers of children subsequently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder were assessed, along with the children’s functioning. The speed and number of professionals involved in the diagnosis were recorded, and mothers completed a post-diagnosis assessment of their perceptions of the process. Longer actual and perceived diagnosis speeds predicted resolved reactions to diagnosis. Mothers’ psychological states pre-diagnosis did not predict reactions to diagnosis. Providing a measured diagnostic process, and strong relationship with mothers, rather than aiming for speed alone, may well be more productive for the parent and child.

Purpose This paper aims to provide practitioners with a brief but comprehensive review of the current evidence base for psychological treatment approaches used in the UK that may be useful for stalking therapies. Design/methodology/approach A rapid evidence assessment was conducted on papers (post the UK Protection from Harassment Act, 1997) that discuss treatments of stalking (with or without a conviction) and associated offences/disorders. Therapies reviewed were Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Schema Therapy. Searches for Mentalization-Based Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy in relation to stalking were also performed but yielded no results that met inclusion criteria. Findings There is currently a severely limited evidence base for the efficacy of the psychological treatment of stalking behaviours. Some interventions show promise although a multifaceted, formulation-based approach is likely to be required. Practical implications Future research would benefit from robust studies focused on stalking with long-term efficacy follow-ups. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first rapid evidence review of psychological treatments that directly address stalking behaviour.