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).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a treatable mental health disorder that can affect many parts of your life, including your relationships. When
By Taneia Surles
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Body rejection is a non-scientific term for the physical effects of your body literally “rejecting” your partner. It’s become a hot topic on TikTok and
By Taneia Surles
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Relationship OCD (ROCD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder in which people experience intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that center on
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
It’s fair to say that even the strongest relationships have their ups and downs. That’s just how relationships work. If your partner also has ROCD
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by Tracie Ibrahim
The short answer is: Yes. But stick with us because there’s a lot you should know about the connection between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the
I know firsthand how important it is to find treatment for relationship OCD (ROCD). I have struggled with this theme of OCD myself, and it felt like a
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder categorized by excessive intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive — and
Reviewed by Dr. Keara Valentine
Do you find yourself constantly seeking reassurance from your partner that they love you? That they even want to be with you? That you're attracted to
Have you ever wondered to yourself, “What if I’m not in love with my partner anymore? What if I’ve never been?” Practically everyone has experienced some
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Anybody might doubt certain parts of their relationships, from their feelings for one another to whether they should be together at all. These doubts are
You should absolutely not sneak a peek. It only erodes trust and violates boundaries needed for a healthy relationship to thrive. Read on to learn more.
By Jessica Migala
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Feeling sleep around your partner can be a totally normal experience, or mean something more.
By Erica Digap Burson
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Rejection hurts, but therapy can help you work through the thoughts you have surrounding it.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Exes can be loaded and emotional subjects, and having them pop up in your dreams can evoke a wide range of emotions.
By Erica Digap Burson
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
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