aetiological factors
Last reviewed 01/2018
Pathological jealousy is associated with a range of disorders including:
- schizophrenia
- depressive illness
- neurosis
- personality disorder
- alcoholism
Organic causes associated with this condition include:
- drug abuse e.g. amphetamine
- neoplasms
- endocrine disorders
- metabolic disorders
- degenerative conditions
The association between pathological jealousy and personality is one that should be stressed. Often it is found that patients have a pervasive sense of their own inadequacy. They perceive a discrepancy between what they have achieved and their ambitions. Such an individual is vulnerable to circumstances that may threaten their sense of self-esteem e.g. growing old. The loss of self-esteem may be blamed on others.