“Suspicion” (සැකය)

“Suspicion”
(සැකය)

Mostly associated with couples these days,
is a pathetic condition.. that may result in many breakups and other relationship problems ..

Ever heard of 
"Othello Syndrome"? 

i guess not ..

When we hear the word "Othello"
the first image that pops up on our minds..
Is none other than William Shakespeare. 

But not everyone know that

"Othello syndrome"

is a psychiatric condition that many ppl maybe quite unaware of.



The name "Othello Syndrome" comes from the character in Shakespeare's play Othello,
who murders his wife as a result of a false belief that she has been unfaithful. 

Ok that can be scary.. 
But yeah,
Othello syndrome is a rare (mental disorder) psychiatric condition.

A person suffering from Othello syndrome starts to unnecessarily suspect and makes repeated accusations that their spouse or partner is being unfaithful to them based on

Insignificant,

Unimportant

imaginary incident regarded as true.

It may have no valid reason.




It maybe his own thought with
Minimal, or
no evidence,
Often based on normal or day to day events.

The affected person may also

frequently monitor their partner’s behavior and movements.
This may be taken to extremes.

The “Othello Syndrome” is associated with pathological jealousy. 




This syndrome can be highly dangerous. 

Patients with this syndrome can be life-threatening to the person who is the object of jealousy.
Some studies have also found that the constant accusations and suspicion from the patient

have driven some partners away.. to actually have an affair,



disruption of a marriage,



homicide



go crazy



or even
commit suicide.

The Othello syndrome mostly affects males and it has a strong association with violence. The majority (62%) of patients with Othello syndrome in the study by Graff-Radford et al. were male, consistent with the findings from a psychiatric study by Soyka and Shmidt.

The most common symptoms of Othello syndrome:

unnecessary jealousy



searches for evidence,



difficulty in putting the concerns out of the mind



Limitation of the partner’s freedom



Checking on the partner’s behavior



recurrent accusations of infidelity



Inability to let go of an incident in the past,



Repeated telephone calls to work and surprise visits



Stalking,



Cyber stalking,



spying




or even violence.

Othello syndrome can be found in the context of


depression,

schizophrenia

delusional disorder, such as bipolar disorder,


but is also associated with alcoholism and sexual dysfunction and has been reported after neurological illness.

The REASON for this situation to occur can be

Borderline personality organisation (Dutton, 1994)



Symptoms of borderline personality organization

• Negative self-model

• Feelings of unworthiness

• Feeling unwanted and ignored

• Feeling of others being better then you

• Anxiety about rejection

• abandonment in close relationships

• Perception of unfaithfulness in partner

• A man’s inability to satisfy his partner sexually

• Affective instability, including anger within the intimate relationship and jealousy



Violent acts vary widely in form. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are at risk for violence from your partner.

1. He is jealous and does not want you to talk to other men./women

2. He tries to limit your contact with family or friends.

3. He insists on knowing whom you are with and where you are at all times.

4. He calls you names to put you down or make you feel bad.

5. He prevents you from knowing about or having access to the family income, even if you ask.

6. He unnecessarily accuses you for things you have never even thought of doing.

7. He sneaks into your purse/emails/mobile phone and other personal documents.

However..

It is scary to see that jealousy and violence seem to walk hand in hand.

Studies have showed that most people have had thoughts of killing someone else at one point,

Treatment

Management of morbid jealousy

Principles of management:
• Treat the mental disorder
• Manage the risk


We all have been jealous at some point in our own life, haven’t we?? 

But have you ever asked yourself why do I feel this way? 
Is this jealousy occurring unnecessarily? 
What is making me feel so jealous? 

So ppl.. if yr partner is having this abnormal behavior of unnecessary suspicion and things are getting outa hand don’t rush matters that may result in breakups
and don’t jump into conclusions
..just think twice cz he/ she could be suffering from this mental disorder and might need your help!!
hold their hand , trust me ppl..it can be really really hard..but never let go..



May all of u out there have great relationships that last forever and may “pain” sadness and betrayal be unheard of ..
Cheers all, hav a great day!!