Delusional syndromes: Othello: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Psychiatry · Delusional syndromes: Othello

Sample item

A 50-year-old alcohol-dependent man repeatedly accuses his wife of an affair, searching her clothes and bags despite no evidence. The most likely term is:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Othello syndrome

Othello syndrome is delusional (morbid) jealousy, classically linked to chronic alcohol use and also seen in psychosis. It carries a risk of violence towards the partner.

Option by option

  • A. Othello syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Fixed delusional belief of spousal infidelity is Othello syndrome.

  • B. Ekbom syndrome

    Ekbom syndrome is delusional parasitosis.

  • C. De Clerambault syndrome

    De Clerambault is erotomania, the belief that someone of higher status loves the patient.

  • D. Capgras syndrome

    Capgras is the belief that a relative has been replaced by a double.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Psychiatry questions

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, Othello syndrome. Othello syndrome is delusional (morbid) jealousy, classically linked to chronic alcohol use and also seen in psychosis.

Why is "Ekbom syndrome" not the answer?

Ekbom syndrome is delusional parasitosis.

Why is "De Clerambault syndrome" not the answer?

De Clerambault is erotomania, the belief that someone of higher status loves the patient.

Why is "Capgras syndrome" not the answer?

Capgras is the belief that a relative has been replaced by a double.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Delusional syndromes: Othello in Psychiatry. It carries a risk of violence towards the partner.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Delusional syndromes: Othello?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.