Prevalence of morbid jealousy among inpatients in a psychiatry unit in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background. Morbid jealousy includes a range of irrational thoughts and emotions, with associated unacceptable and abnormal behaviour. Common forms of psychopathology are delusions, obsessions and overvalued ideas. Aims, To determine the prevalence of morbid jealousy in psychiatric inpatients, describe the different phenomenological forms, and range of associated behaviours. Methods, All inpatients treated at University Psychiatry Unit, NHSL during a three month period were examined. Those who had ‘morbid jealousy’ were evaluated regarding psychopathology, emotions and associated behaviours. Results: Of 145 patients admitted during the study period, 76 were in an intimate relationship. Of these, 35 (46.05%) were male. Mean age was males 49.6 years, females 42.72 years. Commonest diagnoses were schizophrenia (22.36%), unipolar depression (19.73%), alcohol problems (17.10%), and bipolar mania (15.78%). Morbid jealousy was identified in 13 (9 male, 4 female). Overall prevalence was 17.10% (95% CI 8.64%-25.56%). The psychopathology of morbid jealousy was overvalued ideas (n=7, 53.84%), delusions of jealousy (n=4, 30.76%) and obsessional (n=2, 15.38%). Associated behaviours included verbal accusations (n=13), interrogations (n=12), checking (n=11), stalking (n=5), threats/ acts of violence (n=8), increased demands for sex (n=4) and excessive demonstration of love (n=2).