Are you feeling overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts or worries related to your romantic relationship? If so, you may have Relationship OCD. ROCD is a type of Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder that focuses on obsessive doubts and fears about your relationship. It can manifest in a variety of ways, from questioning your partner’s loyalty to doubting the intensity of your own feelings. In this blog post, we will explore the signs and symptoms of ROCD, as well as potential treatment options. By understanding ROCD, you can take steps to help manage your condition and improve your relationship.

What Is Relationship OCD?

Relationship OCD, or ROCD, is a form of obsessive-compulsive-disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts or doubts about the strength of one’s romantic relationship. It can cause a person to obsessively question their partner’s feelings for them, worry that they’re not “good enough” for the relationship, or fear that they have made a mistake in choosing their partner. It can also manifest as intense doubts over whether the person is truly in love with their partner, or if they are attracted to them anymore. Relationship OCD is also referred to as Relationship-Focused Obsessive- Compulsive-Disorder.

Those with ROCD may experience intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and behaviors that disrupt their daily lives. Examples include repeatedly seeking reassurance from their partner, checking up on them often, stalking their social media accounts, or avoiding physical contact with their partner. In addition to these intrusive thoughts and behaviors, people with ROCD may also experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

The Difference Between Healthy And Unhealthy Relationship

When it comes to relationships, it is important to know the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy relationship. Healthy relationships involve respect, trust, and understanding, while unhealthy relationships are characterized by manipulation, control, and unhealthy boundaries.

Healthy relationships involve:

Respect: Everyone involved in the relationship should respect each other. This includes respecting each other's feelings, opinions, and decisions.

Trust: Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Both partners should be able to trust each other with their secrets and not feel judged or belittled.

Communication: Communication is essential for a healthy relationship. Being able to communicate openly and honestly with your partner helps to foster an understanding between both people in the relationship.

Unhealthy relationships involve:

Control: An unhealthy partner might try to control their partner’s life through verbal or physical abuse. They may try to keep their partner from seeing family and friends, or even dictate how they dress or what they can do with their time.

Manipulation: An unhealthy partner may attempt to manipulate their partner into doing something they don’t want to do. This could include guilt-tripping them or using emotional blackmail.

Unhealthy Boundaries: Unhealthy relationships often have blurred boundaries, where it’s hard to differentiate between each person’s wishes and desires. One partner may try to take over all decision-making, leaving their partner feeling powerless and unheard.

The Treatment Options For Relationship OCD

When it comes to treating relationship OCD, cognitive-behavioral-therapy is considered to be the most effective treatment. CBT involves learning techniques that help you recognize and change the patterns of thinking and behaviors that maintain your obsessions. Your therapist may also work with you to challenge any irrational beliefs you may have about relationships.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ROCD, we recommend seeking professional help. At OCD and Anxiety Online, you can enroll in an online OCD program that provides evidence-based treatment and support to individuals dealing with OCD and related disorders.