PATHOLOGICAL FORM OF JEALOUSY - OTHELLO SYNDROME

"Darling, I trust you, but I don't trust the environment. I know you can do no wrong, but there are so many different people These are the main phrases used by people with Othello syndrome.  

Othello syndrome is named after the main character in William Shakespeare's "Othello". It was first defined in the 1950s and continues to be used with the same name today. Othello Syndrome, called the advanced dimension of jealousy, is linked to the fear of losing what one has. It can often occur as a result of other psychological disorders. For example, anxiety, schizophrenia, dementia and personality disorders.  

The main symptoms are being jealous of their partner from everything and everyone, believing in scenarios in their head, making a habit of breaking up, overreacting to any event, exhibiting sceptical attitudes, trying to secretly examine the personal belongings of the person they are in a relationship with such as mobile phones and computers, showing aggression and violent tendencies. This syndrome is more common in men with a rate of 60%. Men and women react differently to jealousy. Men who experience extreme jealousy are more likely to use violence than women and are more likely to hurt or kill with their hands rather than any object. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to use an object or a cutting instrument when committing violence. Men focus on the status and financial situation of the person they feel threatened by. Women, on the other hand, are more jealous of the young appearance and physical attractiveness of the person they are jealous of. In addition, while the most important betrayal for men is sexual, for women it is emotional betrayal. They may resort to use violence to stop this infidelity, and if it continues despite violence, they may resort to suicide as a threat. In a relationship with this exaggerated jealousy, the penalty for infidelity is ultimately spousal homicide. Unless self-protection is involved, women are much less likely to kill.   

Othello syndrome, one of the psychological disorders, may be the reason for the recent increase in femicides. In conclusion, this syndrome is a dangerous disorder that can lead to serious and life-threatening consequences. The person feels unhappy, sad and insignificant, wants to take control, restricts his/her partner, interferes in everything and ruins both his/her life and the life of his/her partner. He/she states that he/she is jealous because he/she loves his/her partner and that the cause of jealousy is external factors. Because of these thoughts, they do not realise that this is a disease and do not want to receive psychological and psychiatric treatment. Even if people with this syndrome are told that their thoughts and behaviours towards their partners are not normal, they never accept this. Therefore, it is very important to support the person with the syndrome during treatment.