Named after the character in Shakespeare’s play who had unhealthy jealousy and a constant belief that his partner was unfaithful, Othello syndrome is a problem that affects more people than you might think; and it can be a great blow to relationships.
Although this disorder is mentioned in this way, it is actually pathological jealousy (zealotypia). This, in addition to being able to pose problems for the relationship itself, can lead to serious mental health problems.
Causes of Othello syndrome
When talking about relationships and Othello syndrome, there are different causes to take into account, such as the psychological vulnerability of a jealous personality.
It is expressed in emotional dependence, with great insecurity on a personal level; an excessive need for support; the fear of abandonment; and so on. Likewise, it can also withdraw family histories and attachment style, getting used to talking about early affective deficiencies.
It is very important to investigate the presence of different disorders, which can be found as a basis when developing pathological jealousy. An example of other disorders that can occur in the person are obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder…
Similarly, there is other research that ensures that pathological jealousy can be associated with other problems, such as problematic alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of Othello syndrome
The delusional belief about an alleged infidelity is present permanently, even if there is no evidence. In this way, a person who suffers from pathological jealousy will be able to find signs of deception even if there are none. There are three central characteristics in this type of jealousy, which are:
- no real cause
- Irrational and excessive reaction
- Strange nature of suspicion
The main symptoms of Othello syndrome include the following:
- Hypervigilance and constant alertness. Because it is constantly believed that there is deception on the part of the couple, there is also a state of alarm that leads to always being very aware of infidelity.
- Control and intrusive attitudes. They are manifested by a complete lack of respect for the spaces of another person and their belongings, controlling the cell phone, making unexpected visits, etc.
- Verbal or physical violence. These are given against the person who is accused of infidelity, resorting to accusations, shouting, insults and attacks.
- Cognitive biases. This is confirmation bias, which leads you to only interpret information that confirms what you already thought.
- Permanent negative emotions, such as anger, rage, resentment and guilt.
How to treat Othello Syndrome?
Those people who have Othello syndrome suffer from pathological jealousy that requires the beginning of a psychological treatment to work on those delusional ideas that have to do with jealousy and infidelity.
cognitive restructuring
Since there are disorders such as generalized anxiety or obsessive-compulsive, cognitive psychotherapy is necessary to address this problem of jealousy.
Through it, it is possible to carry out the identification of the beliefs and assumptions that are taking place and how they are influencing the person. Due to this recognition, they are questioned in order to replace them with others that are more functional.
emotion management
When dealing with a case of pathological jealousy, it is also necessary to manage emotions. In this way it is possible to find modes that are better adapted to the user and that are healthier.
address self-esteem
One of the points to assess to treat this syndrome involves working on self-esteem, taking into account that people with jealousy are dependent and insecure. It is necessary, therefore, that they work on themselves to be able to focus on their lives and not on their partner. For this, it is essential to recover interests and carry out activities individually.
Couple therapy
When a couple’s relationship continues despite the problems of excessive jealousy, couple’s therapy is necessary at some point. Sometimes, the partner of the person suffering from Othello syndrome has ended up adapting to the demands of the other party to avoid arguments, and this has caused him to have limitations in his life.
Likewise, it may also be the case that the other member of the couple has had to resort to different behaviors to avoid embarrassing scenes and discussions; and this at the same time causes mistrust to increase. In fact, it is common for a lie to be told to try to avoid arguments. In addition, that person who suffers from this syndrome, interprets that the lie harbors a deception behind it, and this also causes other problems that significantly affect the couple and the person in particular.
