A rare condition that causes extreme jealousy has been diagnosed in a woman who insists her fiancé take a lie detector test every time he leaves the house. Debbi Wood, 42, from Leicester, is so worried that her 30-year-old fiancé, Steve Wood, might cheat on her that she checks his bank records, emails, and phone multiple times a day.
Steve, who met Debbi in 2011 through a friend, is not even allowed to look at pictures of women in magazines or watch them on TV. Medical experts have diagnosed Debbi with Othello Syndrome, a mental disorder where people believe their partner has been unfaithful without any proof. “I’m glad to finally know what’s wrong with me, but there’s still a long way to go,” Debbi told the Daily Mail. “I make Steve take a lie detector test even if he’s just gone to buy a pint of milk.”
She worries about even small interactions, like whether he looked at a shop assistant. Debbi’s concern is not about Steve’s looks but whether she can trust him. “If you’re happy in a relationship, you should only have eyes for your partner,” she says.
After living in the US for ten years, Debbi returned to the UK three years ago after a tough breakup. Experts believe the emotional stress from that experience triggered her condition. She was so hurt that she swore off relationships.
Debbi met Steve through Facebook, introduced by a mutual friend. After weeks of messaging, they had their first date in London. Despite her initial reservations, she fell for him. However, learning that Steve had dated someone else when they first met made her question his loyalty.
Debbi, who also struggles with body dysmorphic disorder and bipolar disorder, says her jealousy worsened after moving in together. She blocked him from watching TV shows with women and even installed filters on his devices.
Diagnosed with Othello Syndrome in September, Debbi has rarely left the house since. She is now undergoing therapy and taking medication. Steve, who proposed earlier this year, remains supportive despite the challenges. Debbi hopes to start a support group to help others with the condition.
Studies show that 15% of those with Othello Syndrome act aggressively towards their partners. Steve admits it’s not always easy but believes Debbi is worth it. “Sometimes my heart races, and she questions me, but I try to reassure her,” he says.
