Delusional jealousy is a subtype of delusional disorders. There are many types of delusional disorders and when it leads to jealousy, it is referred to as delusional jealousy disorders. Delusional jealousy disorders are most common in marital relationships but it also exists in other relationships. A child may have this disorder owing to his or her sibling being the more attended to child of the parents. This disorder may also develop among friends. But in most cases, delusional jealousy disorder symptoms are prevalent in married or romantic relations. Delusional jealousy disorder is also known as Othello syndrome and morbid jealousy.
There are many delusional jealousy disorder symptoms, of which the most common ones are a suspicion of infidelity, stalking, verbal abuse resulting from confrontation and physical violence.
1. Delusional jealousy disorder stems from a true delusion that the other person is indulging in infidelity. In nonromantic relationships, the jealousy stems from a delusion that the other person is getting more attention, being preferred more or is getting more than what the person having the disorder is enjoying. Such cases are only valid if the delusion is true. That’s to say, the delusion should be completely false. If there is any evidence or even a shred of truth that the delusion is not unfounded then the condition cannot be regarded as delusional jealousy disorder. For instance, if a partner is actually cheating or is in an extramarital affair, regardless of sexual relations beyond wedlock, the person being jealous cannot be held to be suffering from delusional jealousy disorder.
2. Stalking is one of the most common delusional jealousy disorder symptoms. A person may start to follow their spouse, may set up surveillance systems, may go through their phone records and may even hire a detective to have their spouse followed everywhere. Stalking can get extremely invasive and often dangerous.
3. Delusional jealousy disorder symptoms also include verbal abuse and physical violence. The person suffering from the condition will confront the other person and that may lead to arguments and violence. There have been cases in history where delusional jealousy disorder has lead to the death of one or both partners.
Delusional jealousy disorder symptoms cannot be managed with providing of proof to the contrary of what the person believes. Even with sufficient evidence, the person may continue to believe in the delusion. Cognitive therapy and certain medications under diligent professional intervention should be sought in such cases.