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Morbid Jealousy in Alcoholism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Albert Michael ,
Sudeshni Mirza ,
K. A. H. Mirza ,
V. S. Babu  and
Empee Vithayathil
Albert Michael
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge, Department of Psychiatry, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ
Sudeshni Mirza
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, Herts SG1 4AB
K. A. H. Mirza*
Affiliation:
Developmental Psychiatry Section, University of Cambridge
V. S. Babu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17 0RE
Empee Vithayathil
Affiliation:
Earls House Hospital, Durham DH1 5RE
*
Dr K. A. H. Mirza, University of Cambridge, Developmental Psychiatry Section, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 2AH
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Abstract

Background

Morbid jealousy is an incompletely understood syndrome. The association between morbid jealousy and alcoholism is unclear.

Method

Morbid jealousy was assessed in 207 male patients with alcohol dependence (DSM–III–R) using a semi-structured interview schedule administered both to patients and their spouses.

Results

Thirty-four per cent (71 out of 207) suffered from morbid jealousy. Morbid jealousy had different manifestations. Some patients expressed it only when intoxicated, others even when sober and in some the jealousy took the form of a delusional disorder.

Conclusions

Alcoholism appears to have an aetiological role in the development of morbid jealousy. Detecting morbid jealousy when it is expressed only under the influence of alcohol has preventive implications.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 167 , Issue 5 , November 1995 , pp. 668 - 672
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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