There are many different syndromes in the world: for example, the Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel syndromes. There is still such a pathology, the symptom of which becomes pathological jealousy – this is Othello’s syndrome. What is this syndrome and why is it dangerous, said psychologist-diagnostician Anna Sukhova.
According to the expert, Othello’s syndrome only sounds beautiful, but its manifestations are not at all rosy. A person suffering from them is characterized by the following actions, the specialist said in an interview with aif.ru:
- Follows his partner in social networks, controls the phone. For him, the most complex password systems are not at all a hindrance.
- From the very morning, he checks what time his other half was online, and also when she entered or left the messenger.
- Checks possible rivals and competitors, regardless of their age, and also controls all friends and girlfriends who can provoke treason.
- Follows every movement and glance, looking for hidden meanings in them, suspecting that the decision on potential infidelity has already been made, and always has “indisputable” facts.
- Short and unemotional replies to messages in the messenger are not suitable for him. Such a person will demand detailed and precise answers.
These are signals of paranoid jealousy, when reality has already mixed with fiction. The British psychiatrist John Todd first spoke about Othello’s syndrome in the 1950s. He said that the pathology occurs spontaneously or against the background of other already present personality disorders.
There are several signs that indicate pathological jealousy:
- Hysteria and fits of unreasonable jealousy
- Having an underlying mental illness
- Jealousy is especially acute during periods of exacerbation of the disease.
- Lack of common sense and real grounds for jealousy
A person with Othello syndrome is usually obsessive, prone to manipulation, emotional blackmail and psychological pressure, as well as increased control.
Sukhova said.The psychologist called Othello syndrome a dangerous and toxic interaction strategy. A person with this disease cannot control himself, he behaves aggressively and tries to achieve recognition of infidelity. Such a person becomes dangerous not only for others, but also for himself.
Pathological jealousy can be cured with medication or with a specialist using special techniques. Another partner who suffers from Othello’s syndrome should consider whether he needs such a relationship.
If not everything is so critical and there is only ordinary jealousy, but there are some tips that will save the psyche of both the jealous person and his partner:
- It is worth trying to pause the habitual pattern of behavior.
- We must act in a way that, it would seem, should not work. Usually the behavior is from the impossible and brings the best results.
- Consult with a specialist to adjust the action plan, as well as learn individual methods and practices for psychological assistance.
As we previously wrote, therapist Alexei Vodovozov spoke about the importance of the appendix for immunity and the dangers of removing it.