Morbid jealousy in alcoholism.

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.