ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case of a 45-year-old publican who is presented to his general practitioner (GP) complaining of being unable to cope with his wife's behaviour. He goes on to tell the GP that his wife of over 20 years has recently begun to have numerous affairs with customers at the pub they run. Those with pathological jealousy are distressed by their false belief in their partner's infidelity and show unreasonable behaviour such as checking for proof that their partner is being unfaithful and frequent accusations. This combination of strong emotions and acting upon delusional beliefs is particularly dangerous. The patient's partner may be at increased risk, and the risk of homicide in such situations can be high. Breaching the patient's confidentiality in the interest of public safety may be justified. Finally, the patient himself is at increased risk of suicide due to the high level of distress and conviction that his partner is being unfaithful.
