From alcohol to delusional jealousy

Abstract

Purpose

With this clinical case we want to show an example of diagnosis and treatment of a frequent psychiatric comorbidity in alcohol dependence: delusional jealousy.

Methods

We analyzed a clinical case of a 52-year-old man who has a voluntary drug intake promoted by a delusional jealousy to his wife in a context of chronic alcohol consumption. A bibliographic search is made about the comorbidity of delusional jealousy in alcoholism.

Results

A 52 year-old man is brought to the hospital after to have a voluntary drug intake. He has not got medical history of mental health. As personal antecedents, the harmful alcohol consumption of the last 6 years in which he is unemployed is highlighted. After the clinical interview with the patient and with direct relatives (woman and daughter), we have the suspicion that it is a case of cellotipia induced by alcohol, in which the patient has made an autolytic attempt fomented by a delusion of jealousy. In this moment treatment is started. After a few weeks in which the patient starts treatment and leaves alcohol consumption, delusional clinic of jealousy refers progressively.

Conclusions

The alcoholic etiology of cellotipia has not been specifically confirmed. However, clinical experience shows this association is extremely frequent. It's a chronic delusional disorder with content of jealousy, providing interpretations and suspicions unfounded. Is added hostility to his partner, with potential risk of heteroagresivity. The most important thing is to assess the emotional and behavioral resonance of delirium. The treatment consists of indicating abstinence from alcohol and administration of neuroleptics.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.