Jealousy as a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Morbid jealousy (MJ) is an important problem in psychiatry, which involves some risks and much distress, and may occur in many mental disorders. Phenomenologically, it can be manifested in different ways, such as an obsessional, overvalued or delusional idea of infidelity. However, its manifestation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), as an obsession usually associated with checking rituals, is not much documented. To address this specific issue, considering that little has been published about MJ in OCD, this article describes and discusses four selected clinical cases, emphasizing diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. The comprehension of some cases of MJ as a manifestation of OCD, even when not clearly ego-dystonic, enhances therapeutic possibilities and may improve the prognosis.

Jealousy; morbid jealousy; pathologic jealousy; obsessive-compulsive disorder; obsessive jealousy