Delusional Jealousy looked through the lens of a concise Literature Review and Case Report of 'Unfaithful Husband' with Sociocultural Repercussions

Background: Pure delusional jealousy [DJL] is an uncommon disorder and is characterized by
unshakable false belief of infidelity, lack of hallucination, thought disorder and mood disturbance, and
not associated with alcohol or other drug abuse or any co-morbid psychophysical illness.
Objective: This paper aims to review qualitatively the relevant literature (2000-2019) and present a
case of delusional jealousy.
Case History: A 31-year-old housewife with three minor children developed an unshakable belief that
her husband was having an extramarital affair since 5 years and no longer loved her. She was
diagnosed with delusional jealousy and was managed with aripiprazole and brief psychotherapy.
Within three months, most of her symptoms improved, however she developed post-psychotic
depression and attempted suicide by taking 125mg diazepam. She was immediately rushed to a
private hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). She recovered within five days and was
shifted to the public hospital for the management of depression, where she was stabilized and
discharged after two weeks.
Conclusion: Typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs combined with psychotherapy are the main
treatment options for patients with DJL with or without co-morbid physical and psychiatric disorders.
Post-psychotic depression and suicide attempts, devastating biosocial consequences among patients
with DJL need timely and appropriate interventions and continued followup for better outcome and
good quality of life.