Mental Health Friday 2023-07-21
On Mental Health Friday, we post, in alphabetical order, one per week, information on mental health disorders. Mental Health Friday is for informational purposes only, and is in no way meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please do not self diagnose and seek professional help for what ails you.
Link: FindTreatment.gov is an online source of information for persons seeking substance use and/or mental health treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories.
Morbid Jealousy
By Editorial Team
Morbid jealousy, also known as pathological jealousy or Othello syndrome, is a psychiatric condition characterized by intense and irrational feelings of jealousy, suspicion, and possessiveness that significantly impact a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. The condition is named after the Shakespearean character Othello, who exhibits similar traits of obsessive jealousy in the play “Othello.”
Individuals suffering from morbid jealousy typically experience an overwhelming fear of being betrayed or abandoned by their partner, even in the absence of any concrete evidence or reason for suspicion. Their jealousy can extend beyond romantic relationships and may also involve friends, family members, or colleagues. The feelings of jealousy are persistent and uncontrollable, leading to severe distress and impaired functioning in daily life.
Key features and characteristics of morbid jealousy include:
- Intrusive Thoughts: Affected individuals have intrusive and distressing thoughts related to their partner’s perceived infidelity. These thoughts are often exaggerated and irrational, leading to obsessive rumination.
- Compulsive Behavior: In response to their jealousy and anxiety, individuals may engage in compulsive behaviors to check on their partner’s activities, search for evidence of infidelity, or excessively monitor their partner’s interactions with others.
- Hallucinations and Delusions: In some cases, morbid jealousy can be associated with psychotic features such as delusions or hallucinations. For instance, a person may believe they have seen their partner with someone else, even if there is no evidence to support such claims.
- Emotional Disturbance: The emotions experienced by individuals with morbid jealousy can be overwhelming and erratic. They may swing between intense anger, sadness, anxiety, and despair.
- Social Withdrawal: Due to the fear of their partner’s infidelity or betrayal, individuals with morbid jealousy may withdraw from social interactions, isolate themselves, and become increasingly suspicious of others.
- Violent Tendencies: In severe cases, morbid jealousy can lead to aggressive or violent behavior towards the perceived “rival” or the partner.
- Impact on Relationships: Morbid jealousy can strain relationships to the breaking point, as the constant suspicion and controlling behaviors can become intolerable for the partner. It may lead to the breakdown of the relationship and social support system.
The exact causes of morbid jealousy are not entirely understood, but it may be linked to a combination of psychological, environmental, and biological factors. Some potential contributing factors include past experiences of betrayal or trauma, personality traits such as insecurity or possessiveness, and underlying mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or schizophrenia.
Treatment for morbid jealousy typically involves psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to address the irrational thought patterns and behavior. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage associated symptoms such as anxiety or psychosis. It is essential for individuals experiencing morbid jealousy to seek professional help early on to prevent the condition from causing further distress and harm to themselves and their relationships.