Treatment of Limerence Using a Cognitive Behavioral Approach: A Case Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health

Background:

• Limerence is an underresearched condition characterized by obsessive attachment to a limerent object (LO).
• It causes significant emotional distress and loss of productivity, interfering with daily functioning and relationships.
• Existing validated screening instruments for limerence are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize limerence in a case study of a 28-year-old individual.
• To describe a novel treatment approach for limerence.
• To introduce a new screening instrument for limerence.

Main Methods:

• A cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach was employed.
• Exposure and response prevention (ERP), typically used for obsessive-compulsive disorder, was a key technique.
• A novel screening instrument was developed and utilized.

Main Results:

• The treated individual showed a notable decrease in compulsive rituals at 9-month follow-up.
• Subjective assessment indicated improvement in dysfunctional thought patterns related to the limerent object.
• The novel screening instrument's utility was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive-behavioral techniques, including ERP, show promise in treating limerence.
• Further research is needed to establish prevalence and refine diagnostic and treatment strategies.
• The developed screening instrument may aid in future research and clinical identification of limerence.