Othello Syndrome is a pathological condition in which a person unjustifiably jealously suspects their partner. Moreover, they do not respond to any evidence of absence and even the fundamental impossibility of infidelity by their loved one. This is a type of delusional disorder that requires seeking medical help.
The syndrome is named after the main character of Shakespeare's tragedy of the same name. Othello was jealous of his wife Desdemona and considered no evidence of her fidelity convincing. In the end, he killed the woman and then took his own life.
Men suffer from Othello Syndrome more often than women. An analysis of medical records of 105 patients showed that more than 60% of those affected are men. The sample is small, but another study also confirmed that there are more men among those suffering from this type of disorder. The age of individuals influenced by pathological jealousy, according to the same data, usually ranges from middle to old age.
Why Othello Syndrome occurs
Psychiatrists identify several reasons for the emergence of this dangerous condition.
Organic brain damage. There are no specific areas that are responsible solely for pathological jealousy. However, individuals with Othello Syndrome often exhibit disturbances in cerebral circulation, as well as damage to the right hemisphere of the brain and frontal lobes.
Other mental and neurological disorders. The same review states that Othello Syndrome often develops as a manifestation of another mental illness that arose earlier. For example, delusional disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, dementia.
Use of certain medications. Scientists note a connection between Othello Syndrome and the intake of dopamine agonists. Such medications are used when a person's production of this important neurotransmitter, associated with feelings of pleasure and joy, decreases.
Excessive alcohol consumption. This is dangerous if it continues for a long time. Alcoholism causes brain damage, against which Othello Syndrome often develops.
To cope with Othello Syndrome, doctors use special medications — this is the main tool for combating the disorder. Sometimes psychotherapy is added to the medications. Treatment for pathological jealousy usually takes about three years.
How Othello Syndrome is dangerous
Othello Syndrome can severely harm not only the individual but also their partner. Here are the typical dangers posed by this condition:
Violence towards a partner. A person suffering from Othello Syndrome may behave extremely aggressively when interacting with their loved one and may even threaten them with murder.
Destructive behavior towards oneself. Researchers believe that a person under the influence of the syndrome may inflict physical harm on themselves in a fit of rage. Sometimes this type of delusional disorder can even lead to suicide.
Destruction of relationships with a partner. In an atmosphere of jealousy and constant suspicion, it is difficult to maintain trusting relationships. Therefore, serious conflicts are possible in the couple.
To address these problems, a visit to a specialist is necessary.
How to recognize Othello Syndrome and when to see a doctor
Othello Syndrome has several vivid symptoms.
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Constant suspicions of a partner's infidelity. A person in this state notices potential betrayal even where there is no basis for it whatsoever.
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A desire to constantly control whom the partner interacts with. In this way, a person with Othello Syndrome may try to prevent an illusory betrayal or obtain evidence of their loved one's infidelity.
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Denial of objective facts. A person suffering from Othello Syndrome may ignore the reality in which their partner does not even think of being unfaithful. They believe only their own fantasies.
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Aggressive behavior. This is one of the main distinguishing features of people who are prone to Othello Syndrome.
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Visual and auditory hallucinations. These do not occur in everyone affected by pathological jealousy, but this symptom should not be ignored.
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If you notice similar changes in behavior in yourself or your loved ones, it is worth planning a visit to a doctor. Especially if there are several alarming signs and they are persistent.
How Othello Syndrome differs from ordinary jealousy
Typically, healthy individuals begin to feel jealous only when they learn of facts suggesting possible infidelity of their partner. Or they reasonably suspect that their partner is seeing someone else. However, they can usually accuse their loved one of an unacceptable relationship with only one rival. Importantly, healthy individuals are willing to abandon their suspicions if they see that they are unfounded.
People with pathological jealousy live in a world of irrational fantasies. They are ready to interpret any action of their partner as a manifestation of infidelity. They may even imagine that their loved one is engaging in sexual relationships with many people, known or unknown, at different times. Moreover, they do this in any situation where there is even the slightest possibility of cheating.
One of the most important signs of pathological jealousy has already been mentioned. To reiterate: those suffering from Othello Syndrome do not accept any objective evidence of their partner's fidelity. They live in a world of their painful fantasies and refuse to pay attention even to the most convincing facts.
How to cope with unfounded jealousy
As we have shown above, Othello Syndrome is a serious disorder, a type of psychosis that can be caused, among other things, by brain damage. Therefore, if you or your loved one exhibit signs of pathological jealousy, it makes sense to visit a neurologist. If they find no abnormalities, you can consult a psychiatrist. Specialists should work with Othello Syndrome — self-treatment is unacceptable here.
It is possible that doctors will confirm that you are healthy. In this case, if you still suffer from jealousy and it seems excessive to you, it is not about Othello Syndrome at all.
Here are some steps you can take to cope with obsessive feelings of jealousy. They may also be helpful for people with Othello Syndrome. But only as a supplement to medical recommendations that should be followed carefully. Importantly: it is advisable to discuss the possibility of these actions with a specialist first.
Seek support within yourself, not in your partner
Of course, no one wants to lose a relationship filled with warmth and joy. But there is no 100% guarantee that a breakup will not happen. Therefore, it is important to remember that in any case, you always remain you. And if your sense of worth does not depend on others, including your loved one, you are more likely to cope with any problems. Even if the worst-case scenario occurs and your partner leaves you, you will be able to endure it. And then start a new chapter.
So seek support within yourself. In this case, fears will have less power over you. Thus, they are unlikely to become the cause of obsessive feelings of jealousy.
Recognize that a relationship with you is valuable
Think about what your partner gains from being with you. Perhaps it is great sex, support, and inspiration. Maybe you bring optimism to your loved one or can calm them better than anyone else.
Ask your loved one what they particularly value in your relationship. You can even write down the answers. And see that being with you is happiness and a privilege. Remember this if you start to be tormented by unjustified bouts of jealousy.
Check how realistic your expectations from the relationship are
Perhaps in your mind, you believe that you should always be together. However, your partner's desire to be alone or to meet friends without you may trigger an episode of unfounded jealousy.
But life rarely resembles a perfect picture. Both you and your partner certainly have your own needs. If you consider this normal, it will be easier for you to build trusting relationships. They may not resemble a glossy picture, but they can be comfortable for both of you. This means there will be fewer reasons for insecurity in mutual feelings. And jealousy may recede.
Repeat obsessive thoughts until they become boring
This is an interesting psychological technique that can help cope with various obsessive thoughts, including unfounded jealousy.
Formulate your biggest fear. For example: "He is definitely going to leave me for the new colleague." Or: "She clearly likes that guy from the fitness center, and it seems they already have a relationship." Repeat this phrase several hundred times.
Most likely, the first 10, 20, or even 50 repetitions will provoke strong anxiety, sadness, anger, and another bout of jealousy. But if you continue to say the same sentence — over time, you will become bored.
Still, keep repeating this phrase. You may get tired of it and start coming up with counterarguments yourself. If your jealousy is unfounded, there are surely many facts to counter it. This means it will be easier for you to cope with suspicion, insecurity, and inexplicable fears — symptoms of pathological jealousy. This technique may not work for everyone, but it is worth trying.
