Othello Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment of the Mental Disorder of Doubting the Mate

 

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William Shakespeare's famous tragedy play 'Othello'. Its story is that Othello, the central character of the play, begins to unfaith his wife Desdemona at the instigation of others. Suspected of adultery, he once killed his wife with his own hands. Othello finally realizes his mistake, but by then it is too late. Othello loses the person he loves, and chooses to commit suicide.

Desdemona left the house in love with her lover Othello. But what a cruel irony of fate, Othello kills Desdemona just out of suspicion. He lost his love, his own arranged family due to false persuasion of others. Although the story is a drama, this skepticism can be seen in many people around us. In the 1950s, a British psychologist named John Todd called this problem the 'Othello syndrome'.

What is Othello syndrome or the tendency to suspect a partner, why, symptoms, harmful aspects, remedies suggested by the psychiatrist of the National Institute of Mental Health Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed.

What is Othello Syndrome: Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed said, 'We always feel insecure about the person we love. This is how I lost him. From there the doubts started. When the level of fear and doubt exceeds the psychological conflict, it is called Othello syndrome. He also said, "Although there is no difference between men and women in terms of mental illness, Othello syndrome is more common in men. However, it cannot be said that this tendency does not exist among women.

Symptoms of Othello Syndrome: A person suffering from this problem behaves in some unusual way with his partner. Such as suspecting the partner's relationship with someone else, monitoring the partner, forcing him to answer questions while talking to the partner, checking the partner's personal belongings such as mobile, diary, bag in his absence. Moreover, always keeping him under surveillance, stopping contact with friends and family are also signs of this. Not only that, the sufferers of this disease can physically and mentally torture their partner with false ideas. At one stage it becomes serious.

Causes of Othello Syndrome: There is no specific cause of Othello syndrome. However, several factors can act as regulators. Dr. Helal Ahmed said, 'Othello syndrome can occur at one stage from the feeling of insecurity, over-dependence, fear of losing a loved one earlier. People with this mental disorder often feel unworthy. They think their partner can find someone better than them and leave him.'

'Many people are so dependent on their partner that they cannot bear to see anyone else with their partner. Moreover, Othello syndrome is also related to some mental diseases, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, when the symptoms of this disease begin to appear. This mental problem can also occur with excessive alcohol and drug consumption, he added.

Treatment of Othello syndrome: Dr. Helal Ahmed said, the treatment of Othello syndrome depends on the condition of the person. If Othello syndrome is caused by a psychiatric disorder, the first goal is to treat that disorder. There is no way to prevent Othello syndrome. If the symptoms of these mental problems appear, a psychiatrist must be consulted. He will prescribe medication and counseling as needed.

Moreover, if the person realizes that he is insecure about his partner, then he has found a way to solve the problem. Since the problem is purely psychological and its consequences are always negative, there should be no delay in the appearance of symptoms. But in most cases, the person suffering from this problem does not understand his own problem.

Role of partner: The role of partner is very important for those suffering from psychological problems. If it seems that someone else exists in the life of the loved one, then it should be openly discussed. Make up an imaginary story and take the help of your partner without hurting yourself as well as your partner. Moreover, you can discuss your problems with close people. This time, not by moving away from the partner, but by giving courage from the side. Moreover, mutual respect and esteem can give a strong foundation to the relationship.