Othello Syndrome in Men & Women Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

The Othello Syndrome, also known as morbid jealousy, is a mental disease in which a person is concerned with the belief that their partner is being disloyal without having any actual evidence, in addition to engaging in behavior that is socially inappropriate or deviant in relation to these thoughts. In cases of morbid jealousy, delusions and obsessions are the most frequently mentioned psychopathologies. It is thought to be a form of delusional disorder.

This condition got its name from the well-known play by William Shakespeare named "Othello," in which the protagonist, Othello, is obsessed with the idea that his wife is having an affair. In the play, Othello is exceedingly suspicious of his wife's infidelity. In a healthy relationship, jealousy is a sign that both partners care about each other. However, it becomes problematic when it becomes an addiction and a persistent urge to check on or monitor your relationship.

Othello Syndrome in Men & Women

The Othello syndrome is more common in males but can sometimes occur in females. The typical age of onset for this condition is 38 years. It is characterized by persistent allegations of adultery, investigations into the allegations, repeated interrogations of the spouse, tests of the partner's faithfulness, and occasionally stalking. The syndrome can manifest on its own or as a result of paranoid schizophrenia, alcoholism, or cocaine abuse.

When it comes to pathological jealousy, men and women differ greatly. Compared to women, men who experience morbid jealousy are more prone to use violence and are more likely to damage or harm someone with their hands as opposed to a blunt object. Women, on the other hand, typically utilize a blunt item or a knife when they employ violence. When it comes to the possibility of becoming envious, men tend to concentrate on the rival's standing and the resources they possess. Women are typically more envious when their rival's youth and physical attractiveness are threatened.

Othello Syndrome Symptoms

Othello Syndrome is an officially recognized mental condition that is listed in the DSM-5 under the label Delusional Disorder - Jealousy type.

These are some of the symptoms of the delusional disorder:

• accusing a partner of infidelity or excessive attention paid to others
• violating their personal space and following them
• Extremely jealous behavior
• lack of impulse control
• While there is no such evidence, they look for "proof" that their partner is cheating.
• Trying to find fault in their partner's
• abusive language and behavior

Othello Syndrome Causes

The origin of such a condition cannot be pinpointed to a specific cause. However, a probable explanation for it might be childhood trauma, where the individual with the condition had an unsteady relationship with their caretakers when they were children, or they may have experienced familial troubles where one parent was unfaithful to the other. It's possible that this contributed to an atmosphere of mistrust and instability in the adult relationships of those involved. Attachment issues may potentially be a cause of Othello Syndrome, along with childhood maltreatment or disorganized attachment patterns with the caregiver. The person acts jealously toward their partner as a result of having low self-esteem and confidence, which causes them to project their anxieties onto them.

Othello Syndrome Treatment

The Othello syndrome is treated differently depending on the severity of the individual's pathological jealousy as well as the symptoms presented by the patient. Depending on the patient's symptoms, psychiatric and psychological therapy may be suggested. Psychiatric drugs, especially antipsychotics and antidepressants, can help ease the symptoms of Othello syndrome by bringing the brain's chemistry back into balance. Symptoms of Othello syndrome can be alleviated through a variety of enlightening techniques that educate and sustain healthier mind patterns, beliefs, and thought processes. Couples who want to strengthen their bond should both take an active role in the healing process, not only the partner who has Othello syndrome. Othello syndrome cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with continued therapy and social support.