Prevalence of delusional jealousy in different psychiatric disorders: an analysis of 93 cases

Article 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.)

Psychological aspects, Demographic aspects, Mental illness, Mental disorders, Jealousy, Delusions

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The nature and severity of disabilities in long-stay psychiatric in-patients in South Glamorgan

Article Abstract:

The chronic mentally disabled are a focus of public concern, especially in light of charges of inadequate community provision of care and the poor quality of life that some of the mentally disabled in the community face, and many of the most severely disabled remain in institutions where the cost of services is high. A better composite of the patient requiring long-term or frequent hospital care is needed, as is an investigation of the comparative efficacy of treatment in the community. Using the Needs for Care assessment, 154 long-term hospital patients were studied, 64 percent of whom had a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia. Severe cognitive impairment was evidenced in 48.5 percent of those studied and mean length of illness was 26.4 years. Compared with high-dependency day patients, inpatients demonstrated significantly more dangerous and destructive behaviors, more socially embarrassing behaviors, and had significantly more dementia and other organic causes of their problems. Differences in ability to carry out personal hygiene tasks and communication skills were marked as well. It is suggested therefore that the inpatient wards provide needed services for a subset of the chronically mentally ill that would otherwise be difficult to manage in the community and who therefore might experience a poorer quality of life. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, England, Psychiatric hospital care, Psychiatric hospitals, Long-term care facilities, Long term care facilities

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