Rebecca Syndrome: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Rebecca syndrome, also known as retrospective or retroactive jealousy, can be defined as the pathological manifestation of jealousy and insecurity towards the ex-partner or a person with whom a romantic relationship has been established. Although this syndrome is not found within the groups proposed by the DSM-V⁽¹⁾could also be described as a jealous delusional mental disorder due to its characteristics.

Below, we show you the diagnostic criteria of Rebecca syndrome:

• Delusional ideas regarding infidelities.
• Deterioration of labor relations social and family based on these ideas.
• Duration of one month or more.
• The distortion of perception of reality It cannot be explained by the presence of another mental disorder or the ingestion of toxic substances and/or medications.

How do I know if I have Rebecca syndrome? In order to better understand this disorder and establish the most appropriate treatment, it is important to take into account the manifestations that occur in these cases both on a physical, emotional and behavioral level. Next, we show you the main symptoms of Rebecca syndrome:

• Recurring ideas about the current partner’s infidelity with his or her ex-partner.
• Catastrophic thoughts about life.
• Distress.
• Fear to loneliness.
• Low self-esteem.
• Shortness of breath.
• Unstable social ties.
• Excessive sweating.
• Persistent search for evidence that proves ideas of jealousy.
• Constant need for approval from other people.
• Persecutory behaviors towards the partner.

However, it should be noted that the presence of any of these symptoms in isolation does not necessarily represent Rebeca syndrome. Therefore, the diagnosis of retrospective jealousy must be carried out by a professional of mental health that evaluates the clinical conditions of each patient individually.

In the following article you will find more information about the Types of Jealousy: characteristics and examples.

Rebecca syndrome can have various origins that give rise to the symptoms mentioned above. In this section we will address the most frequent causes of this retrospective jealousy:

Environmental factors

Generally, the people who have experienced infidelities In some of their romantic relationships, they often fear that the same situation will be repeated in their future relationships. This would explain the insecurity they express regarding the loved one’s ex-partner.

On the other hand, feelings linked to jealousy can also originate during childhood due to having experienced unpleasant experiences within the family nucleus. They leave marks that are taken as behavioral patterns throughout life.

Genetic factors

Likewise, in these cases it is also important to take into account the role of the Genetic heritage in people who manifest permanent insecurity. Here factors come into play such as, for example, the functioning of the central nervous system or the tendency to alcoholism, among others.

How to overcome Rebeca syndrome? Despite the obstacles that Rebecca syndrome can cause, today we have various approaches that can provide satisfactory results for people with this clinical condition. The most recommended treatments for Rebecca syndrome are:

Psychological therapy

Therapy is a space that invites you to reflect on a person’s actions and context. First of all, we can find short-term therapies that focus on look for tools to face situations of fear, insecurity and/or anxiety in a more enjoyable way. In this sense, cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most recommended approaches to treat retrospective jealousy.

On the other hand, long-term therapies try to locate the origin of a person’s conflicts by remembering childhood situations. In this way, the person can adopt other alternatives when experiencing complex situations. In this case, the most effective long-term therapy is psychoanalysis.

Psychiatric medication

In cases of severity that make it impossible to carry out a person’s daily activities, the provision of anxiolytics may be a viable option. These medications reduce the intensity of symptoms from modifications produced in the chemistry of the brain.

However, supervision by a qualified mental health professional is essential before starting this treatment.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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