Do you experience extreme jealousy? Might be a symptom of Othello syndrome, psychiatrist says

There have been a number of viral social media posts of couples getting extremely jealous and possessive of each other to the point of physically hurting one another.

Extreme jealousy to the point of mistrusting and harming someone else is a symptom of the Othello syndrome, according to an episode of "Alisto."

The Othello syndrome is a delusional disorder where people afflicted with it strongly believe that their spouse or partner is cheating on them, according to psychiatrist Dr. Joan Mae Perez.

Even if there is no evidence of his or her spouse's alleged infidelity, a person diagnosed with the syndrome would act irrationally.

"Irrational, meaning paulit-ulit nagchecheck siya ng mga cellphone ng partner, kinukuha niya ang password, inaalam niya kung sino ang mga friends. Umaabot sa point na nagsstalk na siya," Perez explained.

She added that excessive stalking was a component of the syndrome.

Does that mean getting jealous in a relationship is bad? It depends.

Perez also explained that there were "normal, healthy levels" of jealousy which should be communicated to one's partner.

"[Sasabihin mo sa kanila], 'Uyy nagseselos ako' pero ang ano doon is temporary. It's a way lang para makakuha ka ng reassurance and mas ma-solidify iyon ngang relationship," Perez said.

In the report, a lawyer stressed that those who have decided to physically hurt their significant others because of jealousy face charges, according to the R.A. 9262.

Republic Act 9262 is the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004."

"Any person can commit the said crimes, regardless kung ano ang kanyang gender preference. Ang kinakasuhan kasi dito 'yung pagpupumilit bumalik sa isang abusive na relationship," said Atty. Katherine Panguba, the chairman of the National Union of People's Lawyer.

According to Perez, those who show symptoms of the Othello syndrome are advised to see psychiatrists, therapists or councilors.

"Kung wala talagang budget, meron din nag-co-couple's therapy sa church nila, sa community," she suggested.

—Angelica Y. Yang/JCB, GMA News