Serotonin reuptake blockers for the treatment of obsessional jealousy

Abstract

Background: Some patients with pathological jealousy have a predominant obsessional component to their jealous thoughts. Since obsessions and compulsions often respond to serotonin reuptake blockers, these agents may also be useful for obsessional jealousy.

Method: We undertook a retrospective study of patients who presented with obsessional jealousy. Six patients were treated in open clinical practice with serotonin reuptake blockers.

Results: Four of the six patients responded to medication. This response was as robust as that seen in patients with classical symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Conclusion: Obsessional jealousy has phenomenological similarities to other obsessions and compulsions, and obsessional jealousy may also respond to standard antiobsessional medications.