Being married to someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be hard. In some instances, the partner of the person with OCD simply denies that the disorder exists, but in most cases, spouses report that their loved one's OCD greatly affects them.
Many people will have passing doubts, or get “cold feet” when they decide to marry. However, a person with OCD will persist in seeking evidence that they are marrying the “right” person. They may do this by repeatedly asking family and friends as to whether they like and approve of the intended spouse.
Living with, supporting and loving an OCD spouse is absolutely possible. One factor is learning how to effectively cope with your spouse's obsessions and compulsions, rather than putting up with them.
The challenges on both sides are real, but with the proper tools and information, those with OCD can engage in positive and healthy relationships personally and professionally.
When someone has OCD, it can become more complicated. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to work on building trust. Treatment, including therapy, psychotherapeutics, or pharmaceuticals may be very helpful in establishing a healthy sexual component to your relationship.
Relationship OCD can be challenging because obsessions and compulsions are focused on the relationship itself. In this case, patience is key. It can be challenging to understand why your partner feels the need to perform certain rituals or behaviors, but communicating openly can help.
The patient is often addicted to his/her loved ones and transmits his excessive concerns to them. The studies describe increased marital distress, less satisfaction with their partner and couples experiencing less intimacy.
Research suggests there may be a link between sexual dysfunction and OCD, as OCD is associated with lower sex drive, lower satisfaction with sex, worse sexual functioning, disgust with sexual activities, dissatisfaction with a sexual partner and fear of having sex.
Relationship OCD, also known as Relationship Substantiation or ROCD, is a subset of OCD in which sufferers are consumed with doubts about their relationship. They question their love for their partner, their attraction to their partner, their compatibility with their partner, and their partner's love for them.
In some instances, the partner of the person with OCD simply denies that the disorder exists, but in most cases, spouses report that their loved one's OCD greatly affects them. Spouses and other family members often report feelings of frustration, isolation, shame and guilt.
More percentage of divorce is one reason reported in OCD sufferers in contrast with married people. It has also been reported divorce rate in men is 40% and in women is 39.6%2.
Because symptoms usually worsen with age, people may have difficulty remembering when OCD began, but can sometimes recall when they first noticed that the symptoms were disrupting their lives. As you may already know, the symptoms of OCD include the following: Unwanted or upsetting doubts.
Research³ shows that about half of OCD patients experience anger attacks. Factors such as frustrations about their inability to manage their compulsive habits trigger the outbursts. They are also caused by medication side effects and interruptions of their compulsive rituals.
If you have OCD, you can undoubtedly live a normal and productive life. Like any chronic illness, managing your OCD requires a focus on day-to-day coping rather than on an ultimate cure.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Someone with OCD might feel stress over situations that are out of their control, such as being touched. Ochlophobia (fear of crowds): A person may feel anxious about being touched in a crowd.
If you have ROCD, situations that may trigger intrusive thoughts about your relationship include: stressful events or transitions. being sexually intimate with your partner. being with or without your partner in social situations.
Don't judge. It can be upsetting to hear about some obsessive thoughts, but if you act shocked or judge them, they will be less likely to share their thoughts and feelings with you in future. Make it clear that you love and support them regardless. Find out as much as you can about OCD.
OCD sufferers often have repetitive thoughts or actions they can't easily shut down. Don't dismiss or minimize their pain. Acknowledge what they're feeling and offer empathy; not frustration. Encourage their progress and don't compare.
Common Compulsions of Relationship OCD
Seeking reassurance that their partner truly loves them. Having sex with their partner for the purpose of ensuring that they are still attracted to them. Avoidance of deepening their relationship so that they won't be hurt when their relationship fails.
This means that someone experiencing this mental health condition might display patterns of alternating clingy behavior and a tendency to push their partner away. They might fluctuate between praising their partnership and considering their relationship doomed to fail or riddled with problems.
Psychologists categorize pathological jealousy and self-doubt in a relationship as relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD), one of the many forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
These obsessions and compulsions can range in severity, but what causes OCD to get worse over time is not properly managing the condition earlier on. Stress, trauma, avoidance, or even something as seemingly innocuous as a change in routine can all contribute to the worsening of OCD.