Newly identified as a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (rOCD) is characterized by an individual’s preoccupation with worries and uncertainties regarding their relationships, most often of an intimate or romantic nature. The unpleasant reality is that individuals who suffer from rOCD may have worry, concerns, and intrusive thoughts about whether or not they are attracted to their spouse, whether or not their partner is the proper fit for them, and profound uncertainty over whether or not they need to leave their relationship. That has the potential to develop into a number of unfavorable case scenarios.
Find out the symptoms of rOCD below. It is strongly recommended that those who are experiencing relationship OCD seek assistance from a mental health care professional who focuses on the management of OCD.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of rOCD?
The concerns that are characteristic of rOCD frequently question a person’s thoughts and feelings regarding their spouse, and these inquiries might include things like the following:
- Am I able to honestly say that I love my partner?”
- Am I a good enough person for my partner?
- If I can entertain the idea of cheating on my partner, then it must not be that I feel a strong attraction to them.
- If I found out that another person was appealing, would it suggest that I don’t honestly like the person I’m with?
- Do they actually love me?
- Are we really supposed to be together?
- The last time we kissed, I didn’t really feel anything; is the spark still there?
Compulsions are behaviors that people with rOCD may engage in, which can result in increased anxiety, agitation, and discomfort. The following are some cases of compulsions:
- When you “test” the beauty of your spouse by comparing them to other people; it’s actually not fair.
- Looking for reinforcement from their partner that they are loved deeply; that’s quite desperate.
- Decide to end the relationship because you are afraid that it was not “meant to be” or “in the right place;” really unfortunate.
- Avoidance of developing their connection further in order to lessen the emotional impact of its termination on both parties; quite tragic.
- Flirting with other individuals as a means of “testing” how they feel about their relationship; again, quite desperate.
Keep in mind that getting expert assistance is essential in order to receive the most effective support and therapy.
