{"id":1610175,"date":"2022-08-17T18:05:07","date_gmt":"2022-08-17T22:05:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/?p=1610175"},"modified":"2025-10-08T19:17:19","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T23:17:19","slug":"what-are-the-signs-of-relationship-ocd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/en\/what-are-the-signs-of-relationship-ocd\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are The Signs of Relationship OCD?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Doubts, fears, and insecurities are commonplace in even the best of relationships. Some might even say they\u2019re healthy and necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But what happens when these doubts and fears turn into relentless nagging voices, making you question your relationship altogether? When you spend <\/span>sleepless nights<\/span><\/a> obsessing over your relationship and acting out by being compulsive?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If this strikes a chord with you, you might be suffering from relationship OCD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Relationship OCD?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Relationship OCD (or <\/span>ROCD<\/span><\/a>) is a subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. While countless subtypes of OCD exist, they boil down to one overarching phenomenon: unwanted, distressing, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive, borderline ritualistic behaviors to temporarily soothe the obsessions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hence, ROCD involves obsessions and compulsions regarding your romantic relationship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, ROCD is chronic and without an identifiable cause. However, identifying and treating the underlying issue can allow you to experience healthy, stable, and secure relationships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ROCD can be categorized into three subtypes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Person-centered ROCD<\/b> is when your obsessions and compulsions explicitly revolve around your significant other. Specifically, you constantly doubt your partner\u2019s physical attributes, character, and personality traits. Consequently, you question their attractiveness, intelligence, charisma, quirks, loyalty, morals, and intentions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Relationship-centered ROCD<\/b> is more generally linked with your relationship as a whole. For example, you may question whether your relationship is \u201cright\u201d or if you\u2019re actually experiencing \u201ctrue love.\u201d\u00a0 While some relationships are certainly not meant to last, ROCD makes you needlessly and perpetually insecure about the soundness of your relationship.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Combination ROCD<\/b> is a mixture of relationship-and-person-centered OCD. Hence, it causes you to persistently doubt your compatibility with and feelings towards your partner.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What Causes Relationship OCD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    The past few decades have seen unprecedented progress in our knowledge and understanding of OCD (and mental health in general).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    But despite the proliferation of research and impressive advancements in OCD treatments, mental health professionals are yet to identify a definite cause for ROCD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Still, they do have some theories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some outdated theories for the cause of ROCD refer to neurobiological diseases, chemical imbalances in the brain, and early developmental experiences. These theories have long been disproved.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    More plausible causes of ROCD include various environmental factors:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n