1. Prevalence of delusional jealousy in different psychiatric disorders: an analysis of 93 cases
- Author
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Soyka, M., Naber, G., and Volcker, A.
- Subjects
Mental illness -- Demographic aspects ,Delusions -- Demographic aspects ,Jealousy -- Psychological aspects ,Health - Abstract
It is difficult to identify cases of delusional jealousy because the patient and/or their spouses are often unwilling to talk about the situation. Also, in some cases, the jealousy may to some degree be based on fact. The prevalence rate is therefore difficult to establish and the effects of possible confounding factors are hard to assess. A retrospective study was designed to address the prevalence of delusional jealousy in different psychiatric disorders and what influence, if any, such factors as age and sex may have. Records from 8,134 psychiatric inpatients were reviewed out of which 93 patients with delusions of jealousy were identified, making the overall prevalence in this sample 1.1 percent. In cases of organic psychoses, 7.0 percent of patients were diagnosed with delusional jealousy; a 6.7 percent prevalence was recorded for those with paranoid disorders; 5.6 percent for patients with alcoholic psychosis; 2.5 percent for schizophrenics; and 0.1 percent for those with affective disorders such as depression. Among the patients with delusional jealousy, more men suffered from alcoholic psychosis than women, and more women than men were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Given the overall prevalence of delusional jealousy, more attention should be given to its identification and treatment. Treatment programs include neuroleptic (antipsychotic) medication, especially for schizophrenics. In cases of alcohol-related disorder, control of alcohol abuse has been helpful. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
- Published
- 1991