Friday 9 March 2012

Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal issues: What is Othello Syndrome?



Othello syndrome or morbid jealousy is a psychotic disorder where the affected person has delusions of infidelity of a spouse or partner. Recurrent accusations of infidelity are a characteristic feature of this disorder. The affected person starts seeking proof that such activities are occurring and searches for evidence, repeatedly interrogates the partner, tests his partner’s fidelity. Sometimes, stalking may also be a feature. The partner may succumb to pressure and falsely confess that she has indeed been unfaithful. This becomes a trigger point and the same confession result in violent murderous attack and jealous homicide. It may be associated with alcoholism, paranoid schizophrenia.

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