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 (ROCD) is an OCD subtype characterized by intrusive thoughts, doubts, or urges related to interpersonal relationships. People might interpret these thoughts as signs about their relationship, and may respond with compulsions like reassurance-seeking or mental checking.
It’s normal to want a little reassurance in a relationship every once in a while. You want to feel secure and make sure your partner feels the same way.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW
Have you ever had a crush on someone that was so intense and massive it was hard to think about anything else? Did you daydream about that person all day
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
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
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
Think your partner is going to leave the relationship? Read on to find out the root causes of your fears and what you can do to resolve them.
By Taneia Surles
Reviewed by Michaela McCloud
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 Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Learn what an avoidant attachment style means for adults, including traits and how it can impact relationships.
By Taneia Surles
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Thinking you’re falling out of love can be scary. If you’re wondering if it could happen to you, you’re not alone—here's what you should know.
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If you're constantly feeling worried whether or not your partner loves you, you're not alone—and you don't always have to feel this way.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
You may want to commit, but when it comes time to actually do it, your alarm bells sound. Learn what's going on, and what you can do.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Cheating may have left you with a barrage of questions, and it's natural to find them overwhelming. But how can you learn to cope?
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
With a significant age gap, you may wonder if there’s too much distance between you. But if it becomes a real obsession we have help.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
It’s normal to overthink things sometimes. But if it’s getting in the way of your life and ability to make connections with people, it could be a component of OCD.
By Jenna Demmer
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
If you're worried about your own feelings for someone else, it's important to draw the line between obsession and love.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC