Othello Syndrome (Excessive Jealousy)

Do you feel jealousy towards your partner? Do you ever think your jealousy is excessive?

Jealousy is an emotional response to situations involving competition, expectation, deprivation, power, and success. Like every emotion, jealousy is normal when felt at a certain level.

This syndrome, named after Othello, one of Shakespeare's famous works from 1604, is a delusional disorder type of jealousy built on the fear of loss. This syndrome, which is the obsessive state of jealousy, has also been referred to as pathological jealousy. It is more common in men than in women.

Symptoms of Othello Syndrome:

1. Having uncontrollable thoughts about being cheated on by one's partner.
2. Restricting one's partner.
3. Low self-esteem, low self-worth.
4. The condition of fearing separation from the partner turning into a phobia.
5. Showing excessive and uncontrolled reactions towards the partner.
6. The person's general functionality is not impaired, only that limited area towards the partner is impaired.
7. Being suspicious, especially secretly examining the partner's cell phone and personal belongings.
8. Trying to make the partner feel worthless and powerless by saying bad words to them.
9. Having violence, aggression, and anger outbursts.

The syndrome can be brought under control with cognitive behavioral therapy or medication, depending on the psychological history of the individual with Othello syndrome and the level of the syndrome. The duration of treatment is determined by the psychologist. Othello syndrome can cause serious harm to both parties if not taken seriously. In addition, this syndrome can occur with other psychological disorders. For this reason, it is evaluated in the psychotherapy process whether it is seen together with another disorder in the person. If medication is needed, the person is referred to a psychiatrist.

What kind of problems does it cause in a relationship?

As a result of excessive jealousy and restrictions, the individual limits their partner and this leads to problems in the relationship. Attitudes such as preventing the person from entering social environments and restricting their use of social media can be seen. Moreover, excessive jealousy harms both the individual and the other person. If the couple's communication has deteriorated and their mutual respect has been damaged as a result of a pathological level of jealousy, they should definitely seek couple's therapy support.