What Is Relationship OCD?

Relationship OCD (ROCD) is a form of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder where intrusive doubts and worries focus on your romantic relationship. While everyone questions their relationship at times, ROCD turns those everyday thoughts into overwhelming, repetitive fears. ROCD can strain even healthy relationships. It creates self-doubt, guilt, and confusion, often making a caring partner feel distant or disconnected. It can also push individuals to rely heavily on reassurance that never fully “sticks.”

What Does ROCD look like?

People with ROCD experience intrusive “what if” thought obsesssions like: What if I don’t really love my partner? What if they aren’t right for me? What if they’re not “the one”? What if I’m settling—or what if they are?

 To ease the anxiety, they may engage in compulsions such as:

• Constantly analyzing their feelings

• Comparing their relationship to others

• Seeking excessive reassurance

• Mentally reviewing every interaction

These behaviors might help for a moment, but they quickly restart the cycle of doubt.

I think I might have ROCD…what now?

ROCD is treatable. Therapies like CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention can help people respond to intrusive thought patterns without getting stuck in them. ROCD doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your partner or your relationship—it’s a mental health condition, and support is available.

If you want to learn more about ROCD or your relational patterns, you can work with us or contact us here.