Othello syndrome. Preventing a tragedy when treating patients with delusional disorders.
Othello syndrome, sometimes referred to as delusional, pathological, morbid, or erotic jealousy, is a rare delusional disorder with high-risk implications. This article provides an overview of Othello syndrome and includes an individual example as well as a review of the literature. Pharmacological interventions and dialectical behavior therapy are discussed as options for pathological jealousy. Nursing considerations and assessment strategies of delusional jealousy are described for identification and evaluation of risk factors. Patient safety is addressed, and collaborative interventions are proposed for treatment. Staff development for the treatment team is advocated to help staff identify delusional patients and act prudently to avert possible tragic consequences associated with Othello syndrome.
Miller
Marcia A
MA
Department of Advanced Practice Nursing, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809, USA. Marcia.Miller@indstate.edu
Kummerow
Andreas M
AM
Mgutshini
Tennyson
T
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003702:Delusions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005114:Extramarital Relations / Q000523:psychology; D006708:Homicide / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007578:Jealousy; D008140:Lorazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010868:Pimozide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D013577:Syndrome; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010868:Pimozide; D008140:Lorazepam