Sophia, 24, Describes Relationship OCD as Mental Torture After 1-Year Romance Turned Serious
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 16
Sophia, 24, Describes Relationship OCD as Mental Torture After 1-Year Romance Turned Serious
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 16
Summary
Sophia, 24, said her relationship OCD left her unable to leave home or work, spending days in bed asking ChatGPT “hundreds of questions” for reassurance about her boyfriend.
About a month into a now year-long relationship, she said her pre-existing OCD “latched” onto the romance as it became serious, turning small things like outfits or hairstyles into triggers to break up.
Experts say relationship OCD goes beyond ordinary doubts, causing persistent intrusive thoughts and compulsive reassurance-seeking that can consume hours of mental energy; OCD affects 1.2% of the UK population, though ROCD is not tracked separately.
Prof Guy Doron said referrals appear to be rising as awareness grows, while social media can intensify symptoms by promoting idealized relationships and slogans such as “when you know, you know.”
Sophia and another sufferer, Gracie, said CBT and medication helped, and OCD Action advises people to seek GP support and avoid reassurance-testing behaviors that can reinforce the cycle.