Common Fears & OCD Subtypes
OCD subtypes can help people to find community with others who share similar experiences, and they can assist therapists in designing targeted treatment plans, but they don't tell the whole story. If you can't find your subtype, that doesn't mean you don't have OCD—everyone's experience is unique, and many people's OCD symptoms don't fit neatly into any specific theme.
Relationship OCD
Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (R-OCD) is an OCD subtype that is characterized by ongoing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior around uncertainty of a relationship. People with R-OCD experience frequent doubting thoughts about one or more relationships (e.g., “Am I truly in love with my partner?”) in spite of little evidence supporting the need for these doubts. The doubting thoughts are often viewed as an indication that the relationship may be disingenuous or “flawed” in some way, which fuels anxiety about the relationship and drives sufferers to engage in various compulsions aimed at gaining certainty about their relationship status (e.g., asking for continual reassurance from a friend).
In 2014, I had just broken up with my boyfriend of five years. I was in distress, because this was a person I wondered about marrying. Little did I know I
I wouldn’t wish OCD on my worst enemy. Here is how I’d describe it to someone who isn’t as familiar with the condition: Imagine you are driving on the
By Stephen Smith
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
While it’s difficult to predict when or how OCD will worsen, stress, comorbidities and life circumstances can all play a significant role.
My first experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) came at the age of 7 years old, with severe intrusive thoughts. As I got older, my OCD
By Rebecca Horsfall
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Occasional worry or doubt or insecurity in any relationship is normal—but sometimes, questioning your attraction can end up overtaking your life.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
It’s normal for libido to wax and wane. But sometimes, a mental health condition like OCD won’t let you accept that.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
In my years as a therapist, I've helped many people who werewracked with doubts about whether their dog loves them. Here's how I've helped.
If you're constantly, worrying about your partner leaving it may be a sign that you have a subtype of OCD known as Relationship OCD.
Reviewed by Taylor Newendorp
If you feel like your aversion to being touched is intense, it’s natural to wonder what the underlying cause might be—especially if it's interfering with your life.
By Erica Digap Burson
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Relationships are difficult, but sometimes worrying over texts exceeds general anxiety about a relationship. Let’s explain something called Relationship OCD.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Gain valuable insights into the potential relationship between fear of being fired and OCD, empowering yourself to navigate work-related anxiety.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Is thinking people can read your thoughts OCD? Discover the symptoms, triggers, and effective treatments to help overcome fear of mind reading in OCD.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
If you find yourself consistently scared to be happy in a relationship, it may be a sign that you have relationship-themed OCD, or ROCD.
Fear of cheating involves serious concern about cheating or being cheated on by a romantic partner either in the past, present, or future.
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD