Relationship or ROCD

What is Relationship OCD?

Relationship OCD, or ROCD, is a specific subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder characterized by intrusive and repetitive thoughts, doubts, or obsessions about relationships. Individuals with ROCD experience significant distress and anxiety regarding the authenticity of their feelings, the compatibility of their partner, or the overall quality of their relationship(s). These thoughts often lead to intense doubt, seeking reassurance, and engaging in compulsive behaviors in an attempt to alleviate the distress caused by the obsessions. A person with ROCD can have these intrusive doubting obsessions about romantic and other types of relationships.

Common Symptoms of Relationship OCD

Individuals with ROCD may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, which can be put into three main areas: intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and emotional responses. It is important to note that not all individuals will experience every symptom, and symptoms can vary in intensity. Some common symptoms of ROCD include:

1. Intrusive Thoughts: Persistent doubts about whether one’s partner is “the one,” fears of being trapped in the wrong relationship, or concerns about potential flaws or incompatibilities within the relationship.
2. Compulsive Behaviors: Excessive reassurance-seeking from partners, analyzing and overanalyzing the relationship, comparing the current partner to others, seeking external validation from friends or family, or continuously testing the partner’s commitment.
3. Emotional Responses: Overwhelming anxiety, guilt, shame, or depression related to the doubts and obsessions about the relationship. This emotional distress can significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being.

Empirically Supported Treatments for Relationship OCD

Thankfully, effective treatments are available to help individuals with ROCD regain control over their lives and reduce the impact of their symptoms. Two primary interventions that have shown promising results are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication.

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely recognized and empirically supported treatment for OCD, including ROCD. The primary goal of CBT is to challenge and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors through various techniques. Two commonly used CBT interventions for ROCD are:
  1. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): ERP involves gradually exposing individuals to situations that trigger their ROCD-related anxiety or distress, while simultaneously preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors or seeking reassurance. Over time, this process helps reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
  2. Cognitive Restructuring: Cognitive restructuring aims to identify and challenge unhelpful or distorted thoughts related to the relationship. Therapists work with individuals to develop more realistic and adaptive beliefs and perceptions, leading to a reduction in anxiety and improvement in relationship satisfaction.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be recommended as an adjunct to psychotherapy for individuals with ROCD. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant, have shown efficacy in reducing OCD symptoms, including ROCD. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the appropriateness of medication and to monitor its effects.

Conclusion

Relationship OCD (ROCD) is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that can significantly impact individuals’ romantic relationships and overall well-being. Understanding the common symptoms and available treatments for ROCD is crucial in providing effective support and interventions.

In this article, we explored the definition of ROCD and identified its common symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and emotional responses. We also discussed two empirically supported treatments for ROCD: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Restructuring, has demonstrated effectiveness in helping individuals with ROCD challenge their maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, ultimately reducing their anxiety and improving relationship satisfaction. Medication, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), may be recommended in conjunction with therapy for some individuals.

It is important to remember that seeking professional help from a qualified therapist or healthcare provider is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

By increasing awareness and understanding of ROCD and its treatment options, we hope to empower individuals and their loved ones to seek the help they need and to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

If you or someone you know is experiencing ROCD symptoms, we encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional to discuss your concerns and explore appropriate treatment options.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Foa, E. B., Huppert, J. D., Leiberg, S., Langner, R., Kichic, R., Hajcak, G., & Salkovskis, P. M. (2002). The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory: Development and validation of a short version. Psychological Assessment, 14(4), 485-496.
• Himle, J. A., Muroff, J. R., & Taylor, R. J. (2004). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Core interventions in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 11(4), 287-297.
• Sookman, D., Abramowitz, J. S., Calamari, J. E., Wilhelm, S., & McKay, D. (2017). The Clinician’s Guide to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for OCD: Theory and Practice. John Wiley & Sons.
• Van Noppen, B., Steketee, G., & McCorkle, B. H. (2012). Prolonged exposure therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A review of the evidence and dissemination. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 12(1), 101-114.