Relationship OCD or ROCD is an obsessive-compulsive disorder in which one experiences recurring, intrusive doubts and compulsions about one’s romantic relationship. These obsessions have been shown to lead the individual to question his or her feelings, his or her partner’s personality, or the “rightness” of the relationship in general and hence creates a great deal of distress and affects the quality of the partnership. Cleveland Clinic+12NOCD+12Newport Institute+12Newport Institute
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What is Relationship OCD?
Relationship OCD can be defined as obsessive thinking and compulsive action regarding intimate relationships. Individuals with ROCD may experience: Verywell Health+4Wikipedia+4PMC+4
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- Relationship-Centered Obsessions: Doubt about the genuineness of emotions or compatibility of the relationship.
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- Partner-Focused Obsessions: Fear of partner deficiencies or deficits. Verywell Health+4Wikipedia+4PMC+4
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The obsessions will tend to trigger compulsive actions such as the compulsion of having to repeatedly ask to be reassured, comparing her relationship with other relationships, or questioning whether one is looking for searching for signs of compatibility.
Real-Life Example:
Sarah and James a couple, who had problems when Sarah began questioning their relationship during the time of the lack of material issues. She was reassured repeatedly about James’s love and devotion, which generated tension and emotional exhaustion on both their sides. They went for therapy after they were aware of these tendencies, where Sarah was diagnosed with ROCD. Sarah was exposed to exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and was successful in controlling the intrusive thoughts, and their relationship significantly improved. Verywell Mind+19OCD & Anxiety Clinic+19Think CBT+19International OCD Foundation
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Symptoms of Relationship OCD
Common symptoms are:
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- Persistent Doubts: Repeated doubting whether the relationship or the feelings one has are real. Newport Institute
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- Reassurance Seeking: Excessive seeking reassurance from the partner regarding love or commitment. Manhattan CBT Center
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- Comparison: Comparing the relationship to others or idealized expectations. Wikipedia+2Cleveland Clinic+2Newport Institute+2
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- Avoidance: Avoiding things that may lead to doubts, e.g., romantic movies or planning ahead.
These behaviors may push the relationship to the limit and cause emotional discomfort to both of them.
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Causes and Risk FactorsGlamour+20Verywell Health+20NOCD+20
Although the etiology of ROCD is unknown, a number of factors are conceivably implicated:
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- Genetic Predisposition: Family history of OCD or anxiety disorders.
- Personality Traits: Perfectionistic personality or extreme uncertainty sensitivity.
- Past Experiences: History of relationship traumas or attachment disorders.
- Cognitive Distortions: Unrealistic presuppositions concerning love and relationship.
Understanding such factors can prove helpful in establishing effective treatment regimens.
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Treatment Options
Effective treatment for ROCD are: Newport Institute+6OCD & Anxiety Clinic+6International OCD Foundation+6
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- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Allows recognition and management of distorted thinking. New York Post
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Systematic exposure to the feared thought without acting on compulsions. Verywell Health+2NOCD+2Cleveland Clinic+2
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- Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to control symptoms.
- Mindfulness Exercises: Increases staying present and decreases rumination.
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Best control demands professional help.
Partner’s Coping SkillsGlamour+20Psychology Today+20Cleveland Clinic+20
Treatment of partner by ROCD includes:
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- Learning About One’s Self: Instruction for the use of ROCD for empathy.
- Boundary Setting: Avoiding reassurance-seeking to not perpetuate the compulsions more.
- Encouraging Treatment: Encouragement of treatment of partner.
- Patience Practice: Recognition that change is going to occur slowly and nonlinearly.
Openness to and support of one another are the secrets to being able to work through the difficulties of ROCD as a couple.
Real Life Example: Leah and David
Leah and David, a couple, were troubled when David’s ROCD made him infatuated with Leah’s imaginary flaws. He kept on doubting himself if she is “the one” and exerted pressure on the relationship. Through the couple’s therapy along with the individual counseling to David, they were able to deal with such obsessive behavior in a healthy manner, and it led to a healthier harmonious relationship. Glamour
Conclusion
Relationship OCD has a big impact on individuals and their relationships. Accurate diagnosis of the symptoms and treatment are essential in curing the disorder. With treatment, people can manage their intrusive thoughts, thus having improved and fulfilling relationships. Glamour
FAQs :- Relationship OCD
- What is Relationship OCD?
Relationship OCD (ROCD) is an obsessive-compulsive disorder with intrusive doubt and compulsive behavior revolving around romantic relationships.
- How is ROCD different from ordinary relationship uncertainty?
Although general doubt should be expected, ROCD is pervasive, intrusive questioning that is unnecessarily distressing and disrupts daily functioning.
- Can ROCD affect long-term relationships?
Yes, ROCD may affect long-term, short-term, and every relationship in between, causing distress and emotional wear if not addressed.
- Is ROCD treatable?
Yes, via effective therapy such as ERP and CBT, ROCD symptoms can be minimized and effectively treated.
- Is ROCD treatable with medications?
In extreme cases, an SSRI medication is written to reduce symptoms, possibly along with treatment.
- How do I support a ROCD partner?
Learn about the disorder, set healthy boundaries, encourage treatment, and be patient and understanding.
- Is ROCD a genuine diagnosis?
While not technically part of the DSM-5, ROCD is thought by mental health professionals to be a form of OCD.
Yes, they can fluctuate in severity and are life- or stress-event-dependent.
- Are there support groups for those with ROCD?
Yes, there are support groups and networks with such organizations as the International OCD Foundation.
- Can ROCD impact other aspects of life?
Yes, ROCD distress can disrupt work, social functioning and general mental health if not treated.
For more information and resources on Relationship OCD, consider visiting the International OCD Foundation and Psychology Today.
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