Othello syndrome is a psychotic disorder that most often affects male alcoholics. They feel pathological jealousy of their partner and constantly suspect her of cheating. However, this state is not the result of rational judgment but delusional. What are the causes of the disease? What else are the symptoms of Othello syndrome? Is it possible to cure this mental illness? How can people with a partner suffering from Othello Syndrome cope?
Othello syndrome , otherwisealcohol insanityor jealousy insanity, isdelusional psychosisusually caused by using alcohol. The sick, like the hero of Shakespeare's tragedy, from whom the disease is named, feelpathological jealousyfor their partner and constantly suspect her of betrayal, even though there are no rational grounds for suspicion. This condition is the result of a delusion. The disease most often affects men who are alcoholics. It is not known, however, why some alcohol abusers develop Othello syndrome.
There are also rare cases of the insanity of jealousy among women and the elderly who suffer from senile psychosis as a result of neuronal changes in the CNS.
Othello syndrome: causes
Unjustified suspicions of betrayal and pathological jealousy result from the alcoholic's lowered self-esteem. At the same time, he is aware that his behavior discourages his partner. Then there is a fear of leaving or of betrayal.
In addition, the risk of Othello's syndrome increases if the alcoholic is paranoid - a personality disorder whose main symptom is morbid suspiciousness.
Othello syndrome: symptoms
An alcoholic suffering fromOthello's syndromeis convinced that he is cheated on, so he notoriously accuses his partner of having lovers, usually neighbors, friends, and even strangers. He can be very rude and even aggressive towards alleged lovers or people who, in his opinion, participate in a conspiracy and "hide" the betrayal from them. It should be remembered that the drunk alcoholic cannot control his emotions and then becomes very dangerous. And the alleged betrayals and emotions associated with them are an excuse to use alcohol more often, whichIn the course of the disease, the mind of a man with Othello syndrome becomes dominated by thoughts about his partner's infidelity, which is why he puts a lot of effort into proving his partner treason - he undertakes his own investigations in order to find evidence of infidelity (e.g. he regularly checks his personal belongings, billing, installs wiretaps in the house, hires detectives). Of course, the collected evidence is very dubious or even absurd (e.g. a delivery note from the post office). However, despite their lack and the partner's assurances of fidelity, the patient's condition does not change. Interestingly, the patient may even read the lack of evidence as his partner's cunning.
Therefore, she often demands her partner confessing an imaginary betrayal, but surprisingly, admitting her does not change anything. It can only worsen the situation, because then the paranoid feels that he has an even greater consent to the physical and mental harassment of his partner. There may also be an escalation of suspicions of further betrayals. All because a person with Othello syndrome, like all people suffering from delusional psychosis, does not perceive the absurdity of his behavior. She does not realize that she is sick, so she considers her delusions a reality.
Alcoholic psychosis develops slowly, but the longer it lasts, the greater the risk of violent, uncontrolled behavior.
Othello syndrome - treatment. What drugs are used to treat patients with Othello syndrome?
In Othello's syndrome, the jealousy associated with alcohol dependence does not go away with abstinence and alcohol therapy. Psychiatric treatment is required, which consists of administering antipsychotic drugs. However, it is very difficult due to the patient's lack of criticism and alcohol consumption. Therefore, treatment may result from a court order.
Treatment for Othello's syndrome may be life-long. This risk increases the later the disease is diagnosed.
Are toxic people around us recognizable? It turns out you can. Michał Poklękowski in the Drogowskazy broadcast on Eski Rock asks the experienced psychologist Zuzanna Butryn about toxic relations. Hear for yourself what you need to know about relationships and how to know when something is wrong: