Your personal life may be ruined by this little-known syndrome: what are its signs and what to do

We hear about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) more and more often. However, few people know about one of its forms, which destroys even the most ideal relationships, called relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD). It affects not only love relationships but also family and work relationships. Still, it is most often seen in matters related to love.

People struggling with ROCD may dwell on their partner's shortcomings and even end their own marriage, the Daily Mail reports. A characteristic feature of the disorder is the persistence of obsessive thoughts, which can lead to unpleasant physical consequences.

The main signs of ROCD

Made Of Millions has collected the most common signs of a disorder that can be used to identify ROCD.

1. Frequent worries about the "authenticity" of the relationship and whether the person really loves the other one.
2. Doubts and concerns about the partner's shortcomings, such as their appearance and intelligence.
3. Constantly looking for peculiarities in a partner.
4. Avoidance of communication and dating.
5. Fear of the future in the relationship, unwillingness to take the next step.
6. Constant comparison of one's level of attraction to a partner with other people.
7. Doubts that a person can be truly loved.
8. Comparing one's relationship with other people's.
9. Looking for shortcomings in sexual relationships.
10. Avoiding watching romantic movies that cause unwanted thoughts and anxiety.
11. Persistently searching for answers to relationship questions on the Internet.

If all of the above statements are true, you should not rush to diagnose ROCD; you should seek psychological help from a doctor who will make a final diagnosis. The main treatment for this syndrome is cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves treatment in the form of a conversation.

However, researchers at Reichman University in Israel have created a phone app that may help stop the increase in symptoms of the syndrome. The researchers conducted a study among 103 couples, some of whom had to use the app on a daily basis. The results, published in the journal Heliyon, showed that those who did not use the app had increased rates of OCD and ROCD, while among those who did, no one "reported such an increase."

The researchers believe that the app "is not associated with a reduction in symptoms, but rather with protection against the worsening of symptoms seen in the control group," the Daily Mail reported.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and long-lasting disorder characterized by persistent and uncontrollable thoughts that lead a person to perform repetitive actions to drown them out. OCD symptoms can interfere with normal daily life. Read more about obsessive thoughts in the article.

Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote about the four most common signs that may indicate infidelity.

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