Pre-Reichenbach Disorder (PRD) is episodes of depression and/or anxiety that occur mainly in the Sherlockian or Holmsian fandom as they fear for the life or lives of one or more of their favourite fictional characters (Sherlock Holmes, in particular), often despite the fact that they to some extent know what is going to happen. This may occur in relation to upcoming episodes from the series, the films or unread stories from the books. 

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The disorder may begin during childhood, the teen years or in early adulthood, but can occur at any age. Like other forms of depression, it occurs more often in women than in men.

People feeling emotional attachment to the characters of the Sherlock universe are at greater risk for PRD than others.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually build up slowly as the storyline is progressing. Symptoms are usually the same as with depression:

• Change in appetite: Increased appetite with weight gain or decreased appetite with weight loss.

• Different sleeping pattern: Increased sleep or too little sleep.

• Less energy and ability to concentrate.

• Loss of interest in work or other activities.
• Sharing frustration with other Sherlockians.
• Blaming writers for “killing” their character. 

• Social withdrawal, seeking internet communities (Tumblr) 

• Unhappiness and irritability

Signs and tests

There is no real test for PRD as it is not yet officially listed in the ICD-10. Your fandom, friends or loved ones can make a diagnosis by asking about your history of symptoms.

Treatment

As with other types of depression, talk therapy can be effective.

Rewatching episodes of Sherlock or read the canon stories may speed up the process of recovery. However, this could also make you relive traumatic experiences. Avoid episodes, stories or films which which you think could make you worse.  

If it would make you feel better; watch or read with the company of a good friend.

General advice: Taking long walks during the daylight hours and getting exercise can make the symptoms better. Keep active socially, even if it involves some effort.

With no treatment, symptoms usually get better on their own over time. However, symptoms can improve more quickly with treatment.

However, the treatment with the best documented effect is the promise of the character returning, as long as this is true. 

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome is good with treatment. However, some people have the disorder throughout their lives.

If the person suffering from PRD experiences the loss of his/her favourite character, the disorder may evolve into Post-Reichenbach Disorder (PRD-II) which is associated with mourning or a deeper stage of depression. The symptoms and prognosis are however much the same in PRD-II as in PRD, but in contrast to PRD, PRD-II has got an acute phase. (Read below) 

POST-REICHENBACH DISORDER (Acute phase)

The acute phase of PRD-II normally occurs shortly after one’s experienced the loss of a character one has been emotionally attached to. The symptoms are very much the same as with anxiety. In sub-acute phase they are more similar to common mourning  and depression (for symptoms, see PRD). 

Symptoms (acute phase)

• A faster heart rate
• Skipped heartbeats
• Rapid breathing (sometimes shallow breathing - may lead to hyperventialtion)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Tear flow
• Nervousness

Other symptoms include:

• Loose stools

• Frequent need to pee

• Dry mouth

• Problems swallowing

Additional information:

Mourning, stress and anxiety are all normal conditions, but should be treated with respect and cautiousness nonetheless. For treatments see PRD’s treatment section. 

Similar disorders may also occur in other fandoms.