[1] This disorder occurs when a person typically makes repeated accusations that their spouse or sexual partner is being unfaithful, based on insignificant, minimal, or no evidence, often citing seemingly normal or everyday events or material to back up their claims.
“Delusions of infidelity exist without any other psychopathology and may be considered to be morbid jealousy in its ‘purest’ form” (Kingham and Gordon).
Cobb (1979) drew attention to the elderly man whose waning sexual powers were insufficient to satisfy a younger wife.
Mullen (1990) considered morbid jealousy to be associated with four features:[full citation needed] People who are very insecure, or even fearful, are more likely to become anxious, or question their partner's commitment to them.
Some clinicians may not at first be able to treat this condition due to other dominating psychopathologies present within the jealous person that call for priority attention.
Men who suffer from morbid jealousy are more likely than women to use violence and also are more likely to harm or kill with their hands rather than a blunt object.
This approach is broad in nature, but necessary so as to provide adequate information that will aid in the possible reparation of a dynamic containing a morbidly jealous person.
It is imperative that a full and detailed psychiatric history and mental state examination be recorded for the jealous partner; doing so may enable one to distinguish whether the jealousy is obsessional or delusional in nature.
If there is any history of relevant or related mental illness and substance misuse it should be noted as it may possibly be a contributing or aiding factor.
In order to get the best grasp on the issues and begin positive progression, multiple interviews should be held to assess the marital relationship.
The professional should ensure that all necessary steps are taken to guarantee the safety of a potential victim, keeping in mind that it is possible that authorities may have to be alerted regarding the matter.
If the professional has reason to believe that there is a high risk of harm to themselves or another person, the individual who is morbidly jealous should be admitted to a hospital as soon as possible to prevent any negative outcomes for any parties involved.
Also, other issues that may exacerbate the negative aspects of the environment created by jealous behavior need to be addressed in order to begin reparations.
Individuals who are jealous may take drastic measures, such as searching the partner's clothing and belongings, looking through diaries and other communication methods (email, text messaging), or examining bed sheets, undergarments, and even genitalia for evidence of sexual activity.
[citation needed] Suicidal thoughts are common in morbid jealousy, especially because of its association with depression and substance abuse.