Marriage under control: Obsessive compulsive disorder and partnership

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Relationship Science

Background:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is linked to a need for excessive control in relationships, potentially stemming from childhood safety concerns.
• This interpersonal dimension of OCD significantly impacts family dynamics and partnerships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the interpersonal dimension of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• To understand how OCD affects marital problems, conflicts, attachment, and partnerships.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 124 papers published between January 1990 and January 2020.
• Literature search conducted using PubMed with keywords including "obsessive compulsive disorder", "OCD", "marital problems", "marital conflicts", "marital attachment", and "partnership".

Main Results:

• OCD patients exhibit interpersonal issues due to excessive control needs, leading to marital distress, reduced satisfaction, and decreased intimacy.
• Individuals with OCD may exhibit controlling communication styles linked to a need for safety.
• Preoccupied or avoidant attachment styles in individuals with OCD correlate with increased jealousy and perceived threats.

Conclusions:

• Partner participation in therapy can yield positive outcomes for individuals with OCD.
• Family-based exposure and response prevention programs show promise in reducing OCD symptoms.