Conference paper

OBSESSIVE VERSUS DELUSIONAL JEALOUSY

Borjanka Batinic ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Psychology, Belgrade, Serbia
Dragana Duisin1 ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
Jasmina Barisic1 ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

Although obsessive jealousy is a highly disturbing disorder, frequently it goes unrecognized, as most attention is paid to
delusional jealousy, being the more prominent clinical phenomenon. In order to distinguish obsessive from delusional jealousy, the
basic clinical characteristics of these two types of jealousy are presented, as well as the mechanism of their respective genesis, and
the differences which we must be aware of in order to prevent misdiagnosis and consequent wrong treatment choices. The theoretical
considerations are supported by case presentations providing a clear picture of the phenomena discussed. Unlike delusional
jealousy, characterized by the presence of strong, false beliefs that the partner is unfaithful, individuals with obsessive jealousy suffer
from unpleasant and irrational jealous ruminations that the partner could be unfaithful, accompanied by compulsive checking of
partners’ behaviour, which is recognised by the patient as ego-dystonic. This jealousy resembles obsessive-compulsive phenolmenology
more closely. Despite the differences, both forms of jealousy result in significant distress for patients and intimate
relationships, and carry the risk of abuse, homicide and/or suicide. Delusional jealousy is a psychotic disorder and should be treated
mainly with antipsychotics, while obsessive jealousy resembles obsessive-compulsive disorder and should be treated with SSRIs and
cognitive-behavioural therapy. Regardless of the presence or absence of insight into the disorder, one of the key factors in the
treatment of pathological jealousy is to motivate the sufferers for pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Keywords

obsessive jealousy - delusional jealousy

Hrčak ID:

161219

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/161219

Publication date:

17.9.2013.

Visits: 3.965 *