An uncommon condition inducing extreme jealousy has been diagnosed in a woman who demands her fiancé undergo a lie detector test every time he leaves the house to prove his fidelity. Debbi Wood, 42, from Leicester, is so convinced that her 30-year-old partner, Steve Wood, will cheat on her that she meticulously checks his bank statements, emails, and phone records multiple times a day. Mr. Wood, who began dating Miss Wood in 2011 after a mutual friend introduced them, is even forbidden from looking at pictures of women in magazines or watching them on TV. Medical professionals have diagnosed Miss Wood with Othello Syndrome, a mental disorder causing individuals to irrationally believe their partners are unfaithful without any evidence. “I’m relieved to finally understand what’s wrong with me, but I still have a long journey ahead,” she told the Daily Mail. “I make Steve take a lie detector test as soon as he comes home, even if he’s only been out for a short time to buy milk.”

“I need to know the truth because I get so worried that he’s been eyeing the shop assistant,” she said. Miss Wood believes that a happy relationship requires unwavering loyalty and that one should only have eyes for their partner.

After living in the US for ten years, Miss Wood returned to the UK three years ago following the end of a long-term relationship that left her heartbroken. Experts suggest that the emotional trauma she experienced contributed to the development of her condition, leading her to vow never to enter another relationship. The Curious Case of Mrs. Wood A year later, while living in her native Scotland, Miss Wood was introduced to Mr. Wood on Facebook by a mutual friend. Their first date took place in London after weeks of messaging. “I knew we were meant to be together,” she said after their first kiss beneath London Bridge. “Steve captured my heart, even though I didn’t plan to fall in love again after my last relationship. The only problem was the distance between us. When I found out that Steve had been seeing another woman around the time we first met, we decided to move in together and get serious.”

“I forgave him when he explained that he didn’t think our long-distance relationship was exclusive, but I began to doubt his ability to remain faithful.” Miss Wood, who also has body dysmorphic disorder and bipolar disorder, said her jealousy intensified after they moved in together, as she constantly monitored Mr. Wood’s actions.

She banned him from watching any TV shows featuring women and installed child-proof filters on his phone and laptop to prevent him from viewing images of women. Diagnosed with Othello Syndrome in September, Miss Wood has rarely left the house in the past six months due to the condition’s severe effects.

What is Othello Syndrome?

Othello Syndrome is a mental health disorder characterized by delusional jealousy, where individuals irrationally believe their partners are unfaithful without any evidence. Also known as morbid jealousy, delusional jealousy, or pathological jealousy, it involves obsessive and intrusive thoughts related to infidelity. These thoughts often lead to controlling behaviors, restricting the partner’s freedom, and constant suspicion. The term “Othello syndrome” originates from William Shakespeare’s play Othello, in which the protagonist, Othello, kills his wife Desdemona after being misled to believe she was unfaithful. Individuals with Othello Syndrome experience compulsive thoughts about their partner’s supposed infidelity, which are hard to resist and seem inevitable.

On the Path to Address the Issue

To address her issues, Miss Wood is undergoing therapy and taking anti-anxiety medication. She also plans to marry Mr. Wood, who proposed earlier this year. Miss Wood has already adopted his last name in preparation for their wedding. Additionally, she has been studying Othello Syndrome with the intention of starting a support group for others with the condition. According to studies, 15% of those with Othello Syndrome have exhibited aggressive behavior towards their partners. Robert Mercati, 63, is one such case; he took the life of his partner Margaret earlier this year after being diagnosed. Despite the challenges, Mr. Wood remains committed to Miss Wood. “There are moments when I get anxious, and my heart races, which makes Debbi question me,” he said, referring to the conflicting results of the lie detector test. “All I have to do is reassure her that I haven’t cheated, and maybe she will accept that.”