Relationship OCD (ROCD) is when someone is consumed with doubts about their relationship, including obsessing over whether they are attracted to their partner, whether they love their partner, and whether their partner loves them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common obsessions in relationship OCD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another common obsession in relationship OCD is becoming fixated on a specific flaw that your partner has, for example, thinking that their nose is too big. You become fixated on this, worry that it means you aren\u2019t attracted to them, and then feel guilty that you are thinking this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The person may also experience intrusive thoughts about cheating on their partner. This could cause significant distress, guilt and depression, and may make you feel like an awful person or partner, reducing your self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although most people in relationships will question these things at times, for people with ROCD, these irrational thoughts can consume everyday life, causing distress, guilt and difficulty in relationships. Additionally, compulsions can be extremely time consuming and upsetting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common compulsions in relationship OCD:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two specific types of relationship OCD:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These types of relationship OCD overlap. Often one proceeds the other. For example, you may become fixated on your partner\u2019s nose, and then worry that you are not attracted to them because of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ROCD can have a significant impact on someone\u2019s functioning, distress, and satisfaction with their life. It is also heavily linked with depression and anxiety, and difficulties in the couple\u2019s relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The issue is that someone with ROCD will constantly doubt themselves, even if they\u2019re told they have ROCD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut what if there IS a problem with our relationship?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat if attributing it to OCD is just me making excuses?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut what if I actually am not attracted to them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are treatment options for ROCD, which are pretty similar to the treatment options for OCD. It usually involves cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure and response prevention, to target maladaptive thoughts and expose themselves to situations that worry them. This may include exploring what it would mean if their relationship wasn\u2019t perfect, discussing with the partner about the flaw, understanding the person\u2019s thoughts and beliefs, and reducing time spent engaging with compulsive behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It can be helpful for someone with relationship OCD to know that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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