The Impact of OCD on Interpersonal Relationships

Have you ever wondered what the relationship between OCD patients and their families is like? Do you think this condition complicates the issue of having a partner? Find out here.

Last update: June 11, 2023

While not always a hot topic, the impact Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has on family, partner and even friendships can be very problematic.. Although the condition varies and not all patients are the same, it is common to present with noticeable problems that can lead to significant psychosocial deterioration.

In fact, fear, anxiety, and intrusive and persistent thought loops are common in OCD. In fact, patients often It tests the patience of those who have to live with obsessions and ritualistic behaviors. They see them as real sources of suffering.

Not everyone can understand this kind of behavior. Moreover, in addition to lack of understanding, rejection often occurs.

The degree of difficulty experienced by people with OCD in their immediate environment always depends on the degree of disability. People who exhibit obsessive-compulsive behaviors related to health and cleanliness tend to suffer more in everyday relationships.

A woman stressed at work due to the impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder on her relationships — People with OCD fear being judged or criticized by people they know or work with.

The impact of OCD on family, partner, and friendship relationships is highly individual. Many patients come to therapy tired of the wear and tear that everyday life causes others and causes conflict. in fact, Victim’s social deterioration can be immense.

Research conducted by Keith D. Renshaw et al., Issuer oxford academicstated that it is common for people with OCD to experience significant problems on social and interpersonal levels. These conflicts can wreak havoc on any relationship, but most often in the family.

That suffering is associated with feelings of helplessness. That’s because those who want to help OCD sufferers are unable to do so effectively. In such cases, psychoeducation is key, both for the patient and their environment. We then explore how OCD impacts different areas of society.

1. Impact on family

The impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder on families is often more complex than one might think. This is mainly because the condition tends to be misdiagnosed. In fact, nearly 50% of cases are misdiagnosed or improperly treated. (Glazier et al., 2013, 2015; Perez et al., 2022 ).

The people close to the afflicted do not know how to help them.
OCD sufferers suffer with parents and siblings who do not understand their behavior.
Their environment follows inappropriate patterns. For example, criticizing the patient’s rituals or ridiculing the patient’s behavior or concerns.
The patient feels misunderstood. This further heightens their anxious thoughts.
Patients involve family members as part of the ritual. It is known as an accommodation facility for families. This consists of routine changes that allow OCD patients to integrate obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Many families end up complying with the OCD patient’s compulsive rituals so as not to contradict them and cause them additional stress. They may even believe it is just a passing stage.

2. Effects on Friends, Acquaintances, and Colleagues

OCD patients often have low self-esteem. They may also suffer from hidden depression due to the weight of their fears and untreated obsessions. This means that it is very difficult for them to form healthy social relationships.

They feel discriminated against by their acquaintances and colleagues.
Suffering from intense anxiety in everyday interactions with acquaintances and co-workers.
They are conditioned by feelings of shame. They worry about being judged, favored, or ridiculed for their obsessions and rituals.
They find it difficult to maintain friendships. In fact, they often vacillate between their need for intimacy and approval from others and their desire for isolation.
They are having trouble holding down their jobs. this is, It is difficult for them to be punctual and productive. They also fear that their actions will be pointed out or criticized by their superiors or colleagues.
Many people with OCD suffer in silence from their inability to fit into social environments and to act, react, and perform as effectively as others.

3. OCD and Emotional Relationships

The impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder on emotional relationships often causes problems. OCD sufferers tend to be suspicious of any relationship, no matter how solid it may be. They experience constant doubt and are unable to enjoy love.

They are further defined by a complex combination of insecure and avoidant attachment. In other words, they crave constant reinforcement from their partner, but the resulting fear of abandonment drives them to avoid and distance themselves.
This confused behavior exhausts your partner.Of course, abandonment and parting are frequent. These scenarios cause ongoing hurt, further fueling patterns of fear, anxiety, and rumination.
Many people with OCD develop relational OCD. It means that your partner is taking up all your time and obsessing over them. In addition, a fear of abandonment and a persistent, self-destructive desire to offer a partner a sign of unending affection emerges.

People with relational OCD are unable to continue working or focus on things other than their partner. They combine obsession with the fear of being abandoned. They also perform ritualistic actions to relieve anxiety.

A friend supporting another, symbolizing the impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder on relationships — If you know someone with OCD, you first need to know what the disorder looks like in order to help them.

How to Help OCD Patients

If you are a family member, partner, friend or acquaintance of someone with OCD, how can you help? The most important thing you need to know is what their disability entails. Psychoeducation in OCD contributes to developing a more sensitive view of society towards this reality. In addition, we provide specific support guidelines.

Give them space to worry without intensifying their obsession

Some family members and partners enhance rituals for those with OCD. For example, helping people sort food by color. However, you should not respond to their obsessive behavior or change your routine for them. The best thing to do is give them space to talk about their fears and obsessions, but never promote rituals.

don’t let them take evasive action

Friends and acquaintances with OCD may increasingly avoid more responsibilities and simpler tasks. They exhibit anxiety-inducing avoidance behaviors. Don’t make life easier for them in this regard. Give them reason and help keep them out of perpetual avoidance loops.

OCD is treatable.encourage victims to seek professional help

The impact of OCD on interpersonal relationships can be immense. This can leave patients in a state of severe psychosocial exhaustion and manifest other comorbidities such as depression. If you have a family member, partner, or acquaintance with OCD, encourage them to seek professional help.

Behavioral exposure therapy with response prevention is highly effective in treating this condition..according to A study conducted by Northwestern University (USA) found that This method is backed by ample scientific evidence. Doing so helps people understand the disorder, reduces anxiety, and avoids compulsions and rituals.

Patients with OCD should embark on a therapeutic journey so that they can let go of many fears and form a healthier mental approach. After all, everyone is entitled to happy and fulfilling relationships. Maybe you can help lead your loved one to greater well-being.