15/09/2022
Signs and Symptoms of Delusional Jealousy
People with delusional disorders have beliefs, convictions, or perceptions that are not in harmony with reality. These ideas may contain elements of truth, or they may be entirely imaginary.
Hypervigilance focused on the romantic partner, constantly watching for signs of bad intent
Frequent questioning of a partner’s behavior, in accusatory tones
Prohibiting the partner from having social media accounts or checking them secretly to see who they’ve been communicating with
Paranoia over who the partner is speaking with during phone calls or writing to in emails
Searching through the other person’s belongings, looking for confirmation of infidelity
Trying to surprise the partner at work, at home during unusual hours, or at other locations to “catch them in the act”
Attempting to limit the partner’s activities outside the home, possibly to the point of keeping them prisoner
Use of emotional blackmail to control the partner’s behavior
Isolating the partner from family and friends
Blaming the other person for all the conflicts in the relationship, despite the obvious problems caused by the jealousy
An inability to grasp the irrationality of the jealous delusions, no matter how much evidence is presented to prove them false
Stalking, or other signs of obsession, should the mistreated partner attempt to end the relationship
Threats of violence, or actual violence directed against the partner
Self-harming behavior, including attempts at su***de
In its most extreme version, delusional jealousy can be dangerous to the health and safety of those who are the subject of the delusions, and the police or the courts may be asked to intervene if things get out of hand.......Causes and Risk Factors for Jealous Delusions......
1-Anxiety disorders. Jealous delusions are a sign of deep-seated insecurity and low self-esteem, and these psychological realities help plant the seeds of anxiety disorder.
2-Schizophrenia. A connection between jealous delusions and schizophrenia has been confirmed in various studies.
3-Personality disorders. There is a symptomatic overlap between delusional jealousy and two personality disorders in particular—paranoid and borderline personality disorders.
4-Brain injuries or diseases. Conditions like Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease can cause delusional behavior in some instances, as can head injuries.
5-Substance use disorders. In one study, 34 percent of people with alcohol use disorders reported symptoms of morbid jealousy.