The Othello Syndrome or jealousy is a type of delusional disorder, according to which the person has the unshakable belief and with null criticism to any argumentation about the conviction that his partner has committed some infidelity. The person constructs his delirium by means of data that are irrational, so that he spends his time looking for evidence in order to confirm his suspicions towards his partner. This syndrome, whose fundamental core is jealousy, affects men and women alike, has its origin in Shakespeare’s play “Othello”, where the protagonist elaborates an infinity of suspicions about his partner’s infidelity until he murders her and, subsequently, commits suicide.
When is it considered that a person suffers from this syndrome without being confused with apparently normal jealousy?
The disease is characterized by the realization of irrational behaviors. That is, jealousy is taken to an extreme in which there is no real reason or logical explanation, altering the person’s daily life and spending most of his time performing controlling behaviors, surveillance and stalking in search of the definitive proof that corroborates the delusional belief.
What are the causes?
There are several causes of Othello Syndrome. On the one hand, there are genetic and biochemical causes in the brain. Although there is little scientific evidence about physiological factors, there is evidence in favor of the fact that jealousy does not depend exclusively on environmental factors, but that there is an emotional component related to self-esteem that may influence the appearance of the syndrome. In studies with mammalian animals, there is a biological explanation for jealousy. It refers to the preservation of the family or offspring together with the fear of loss.
On the other hand, the causes are related to environmental factors, where the person interacts with his or her family and social environment. In the same way, the cultural context where the person has grown up can also determine the causes, since possessive love and exclusivity may be enhanced.
How do patients who suffer from it behave?
Sufferers speak of a third person called “the other”, without there being a defined face. They refer to an illusion recreated repeatedly without a real clue or clear information. The person is on alert and constantly watches his or her partner, establishing erroneous beliefs about him or her and looking for a justification for his or her behavior. Alterations occur in daily life, so that some habits change, such as moving clothes around, buying different products or delaying the time of arrival. These behaviors trigger delusional thoughts that culminate in jealousy, thus fostering mistrust in the partner. In turn, delusional thoughts, crying, depression, anxiety, irritability and violence appear, making it difficult to live together.
The person with Othello Syndrome assumes a victim role, because he/she feels betrayed by his/her sentimental partner and there is suffering for feeling deceived and not being able to prove it. There is an impossibility to control impulses, thoughts and perceptions due to the lack of awareness of the problem.
What type of patients develop this syndrome?
The profile of people with this disorder is related to low self-esteem, a lack of insecurity or having lived a negative experience that triggers jealousy. They are controlling people who adopt the role of a dominant person who watches over their partner and any competitors they may have. At the same time, they are people who fear being abandoned. There seems to be a higher prevalence of Othello syndrome in people who consume substances, especially alcohol, being sometimes the abuse of this intoxicant a disinhibitor of the most disruptive behaviors by the coelopath.
What is the treatment for Othello Syndrome?
Othello Syndrome is a complex disease and has to be approached from different approaches. On the one hand, pharmacological treatment can help in the recovery of impulse control and to improve the emotional state with which the affective distance of the delusional belief improves. On the other hand, psychotherapy is fundamental and is based on improving the patient’s behavior and placing him/her in reality, beyond the erroneous beliefs of infidelity. This is complicated by the lack of awareness of the disease. It is advisable that a family member supervises the treatment, since most of the patients do not follow the recommendations of the professional and few of them come voluntarily to a professional’s office.
It is difficult to live with people suffering from this syndrome and, in some cases, they may present abuse, homicide or suicide. Because of this, at the first signs it is advisable to see a mental health professional.