Othello syndrome-perpetual jealousy. Symptoms and treatment

Othello syndrome is a phenomenon that can affect stability and harmony in relationships. Othello syndrome is manifested by pathological jealousy of a partner or partner. A person affected by this disorder is absolutely certain that his partner is cheating on him, even if there is no evidence of this. In this article we will take a closer look at Othello Syndrome, you will learn about the psychological aspects of pathological jealousy and how to deal with possible problems.

What is Othello syndrome or Othello complex?

Othello’s disease was first described by French psychiatrist Jean-Étiennet Esquirol in 1838. It is named after a character in William Shakespeare’s play “Othello,” who was convinced that his wife Desdemona was cheating on him.

Morbid jealousy (pathological jealousy) is a term that refers to excessive, irrational jealousy that leads to harmful effects on an individual’s mental and emotional health and interpersonal relationships. A person suffering from pathological jealousy may manifest strong feelings of anxiety, fear and obsessive control related to thoughts of a life partner being unfaithful or cheating.

Othello complex can lead to negative behaviors such as excessive checking on a partner, spying on them, accusing them unfoundedly or even physical aggression. Othello syndrome is a disorder that affects the quality of life for both the person affected by jealousy and his or her partner. Learn more and ppread the article: morbid jealousy

Symptoms of Othello syndrome, or morbid, unreasonable jealousy

The main symptom in Othello syndrome is the persistent suspicion of a partner or partner’s infidelity. A person suffering from Othello syndrome may exhibit:

1. Excessive Jealousy. A person with Othello syndrome often experiences excessive feelings of jealousy, even in situations that do not warrant such emotions.
2. Hypersensitivity to Partner’s Behavior. A small change in a partner’s behavior can be interpreted as evidence of infidelity, leading to conflict.
3. Propensity to Spy. People affected by Othello Syndrome may spy on, monitor their partner, check their messages, read their emails, leading to invasion of privacy.

Delusions of infidelity vs. Othello syndrome

Delusions of infidelity are a type of thoughts or beliefs that are false, unsubstantiated. However, people struggling with this type of delusion strongly believe in them, even if there is no actual evidence. Delusions can affect many different areas of life. In the case of delusions of infidelity, the predominant belief is that a life partner is unfaithful or cheating. This phenomenon may fit into the broader context of mental disorders, especially paranoid disorders.

Delusions of infidelity can be associated with various mental disorders, such as:

• Paranoid disorders. People with paranoid disorders tend to suspect other people of having bad intentions toward them. Delusions of betrayal are often one of the elements of these disorders.
• Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or psychotic disorder.
• Mood disorders. Some people with mood disorders, especially depression, may experience delusional thoughts, including delusions of betrayal.
• Anxiety disorders. For some anxiety disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD), delusions of betrayal may be part of the obsessive thoughts.
• Substance abuse. Psychoactive substances such as alcohol or drugs can affect thought processes and contribute to the appearance of delusional thoughts.

Retrograde jealousy

Retroactive jealousy is a type of jealousy that we feel when someone achieves something that we ourselves have already achieved in the past. This can include both tangible and intangible things, such as professional success, sports achievements, or personal relationships.

Retroactive jealousy in a relationship is a phenomenon that occurs when one person feels jealous of their partner because of their past love or romantic experiences. This can include previous relationships, relationships or even past memories. Retroactive jealousy can be characterized by strong emotions and lead to unhealthy dynamics in a relationship.

A person experiencing retrograde jealousy may experience anxiety, fear or low self-esteem. The thought that a partner may have previously experienced love or intimacy with others can lead to unhealthy despair. In some cases, retroactive jealousy can lead to excessive control, neglect of the current relationship or even conflict between partners.

Causes of Othello syndrome

The causes of Othello syndrome are not fully understood. Both genetic and environmental factors are believed to have an impact. Genetic factors include a predisposition to psychotic disorders. Psychoticism includes a range of symptoms, e.g. loss of contact with reality, hallucinations, hallucinations, paranoid thoughts and thought disorganization.

Factors associated with psychotic susceptibility on a genetic basis include:

• Heredity. There is strong evidence that genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of psychotic disorders. Individuals with close relatives suffering from schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders are more likely to develop the same, or similar, conditions.
• Polygenicity. Psychotic susceptibility is usually associated with multiple genes, meaning that it is not controlled by one single genetic change. Instead, many genes may interact to form a complex genetic basis.
• Gene expression and environment. Even if a person inherits genes that predispose to psychotic disorders, the environment can play a key role in whether these genes are activated.

Environmental factors include:

• Low self-esteem. People with low self-esteem may experience jealousy madness, fearing that a partner may abandon them or that they are not valuable enough to be loved.
• Low sense of security. Emotional insecurity can lead to excessive jealousy. A person may fear losing a partner and uncertainty about the future of the relationship.
• Past experiences. Traumatic experiences from previous relationships, betrayals or difficult emotional situations can lead to the development of morbid jealousy in a new relationship.
• Excessive parental control. Being raised in an environment characterized by excessive parental control can influence the development of jealousy in adulthood.
• Lack of trust. Lack of trust in a partner or in people in general can lead to constant jealousy and attempts to control a partner.
• Lack of communication in a relationship. When partners fail to communicate effectively with each other, misunderstandings can arise, which over time can lead to jealousy.

Alcohol problem, paranoia vs. suspicion of infidelity

Alcohol can influence already developing feelings of morbid jealousy or be a factor that exacerbates existing jealousy problems. Here are some aspects to consider in terms of alcohol’s impact on morbid jealousy:

1. Emotional disorders. Alcohol consumption can affect emotion regulation, which can lead to increased feelings of jealousy. A person under the influence of alcohol may be more prone to impulsive emotional reactions, and this can exacerbate feelings of jealousy.
2. Decreased behavioral control. Alcohol affects cognitive function and can reduce the ability to analyze situations reasonably. A person under the influence of alcohol may be more comprised of unreasonable suspicions and react more strongly to situations that would be perceived as harmless in a sober state.
3. Communication problems. Alcohol consumption can lead to communication problems, which in turn can exacerbate jealousy. Vague statements, misunderstandings and misinterpretations of a partner’s behavior may be more common under the influence of alcohol.

Excessive alcohol consumption can even lead to paranoid thinking disorders. In the context of alcohol, psychosis and paranoia, may manifest themselves in the form of beliefs that someone is being stalked, spied on, or that there is a conspiracy against the person.

Symptoms of paranoia may include:

1. Conspiracy beliefs. The alcoholic may believe that he or she is being watched, controlled or persecuted by other people, organizations or outside forces.
2. Increased distrust. A tendency to interpret the actions of others as hostile or threatening, even when there is no evidence of this. Alcoholic lunacy can lead to social isolation. People experiencing alcoholic paranoia often avoid social interactions for fear of supposed threats.
3. Hallucinations. Auditory or visual hallucinations are also possible, in which a person perceives signals or sensory stimuli that have no real source.

How to diagnose Othello syndrome? Othello syndrome test

If you notice symptoms of Othello syndrome in yourself or your partner, it is important to consult a doctor or psychologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the chances of recovery.

Here are some tips that can help you recognize Otella syndrome:

• Do you often suspect your partner of infidelity?
• Do you monitor your partner, checking his or her belongings, correspondence, phone calls?
• Do you accuse your partner of infidelity, even without any evidence?
• Do you use physical or psychological violence against your partner?
• Do you have psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, hallucinations, thought disorders?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is possible that you are suffering from Othello syndrome. If this is the case, it’s important to get help as soon as possible.

Othello syndrome treatment

Treatment for Othello syndrome consists of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. For those addicted to alcohol or other psychoactive substances, drug treatment is necessary.

Pharmacotherapy includes the use of antipsychotic drugs, which help reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms. In some cases, antidepressants are also used to help improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Psychotherapy helps the sufferer understand the causes of his or her behavior and learn to cope with jealousy. Different types of psychotherapy are used, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, or family therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective approach for treating morbid jealousy. CBT focuses on identifying and modifying negative thoughts and behaviors, which can help manage strong emotions and improve mental functioning.

How to Deal with Othello Syndrome

1. Communication. Open and honest communication between partners is key. This can minimize misunderstandings and clarify any concerns.
2. Psychological Therapy. In cases of more advanced symptoms of Othello Syndrome, getting help from a therapist is very important. Therapy allows you to identify and resolve deeper issues.
3. Building Self-Confidence. By working to increase self-confidence, a person affected by Othello Syndrome can reduce their jealousy, begin to trust in their relationship and believe in their partner.

Othello Syndrome how to protect yourself?

If you are a victim of Othello Syndrome, it is important to know how to defend yourself. Protecting yourself from morbid jealousy may require a conscious approach to your own thoughts, emotions and behavior.

Here are some specific ways to deal with a partner or partner with Othello syndrome:

• Don’t be intimidated or controlled. If your partner or associate is behaving aggressively, contact the police or a domestic violence victims’ center.
• Be honest and open. Don’t hide your situation from loved ones. Seek support from close friends, family or support groups.
• Set boundaries. Tell your partner/partner what behaviors are unacceptable to you.
• Focus on yourself. Take care of your well-being and do things that make you happy.
• Avoid comparing yourself with others. Stop comparing your life with other people’s lives. Every relationship is unique, comparing yourself to others can lead to unnecessary jealousy.
• Develop self-esteem. Work on building positive self-esteem. Find a balance between trusting yourself and depending less on external affirmations.

Remember that each situation is unique, so it is important to tailor help to the individual situation. If you have questions, it’s a good idea to consult a specialist – online psychotherapy