Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions and negatively affects the functionality of individuals. OCD symptoms with romantic relationship content have been investigated in the literature for the last 10 years. OCD symptoms with romantic relationship content are divided into two types: relationship-centered and partner-focused. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the relationship between OCD symptoms with romantic relationship content and individual and relational variables. Studies in the literature were reviewed in detail in order to evaluate the results regarding the relationship between OCD symptoms in romantic relationships and individual and relational factors. In the national and international literature, no systematic review study on this subject was found. Accordingly, studies published between 2012 and 2022 in internationally accepted electronic databases using the terms "relationship obsessive compulsive disorder", "relationship centered obsessive compulsive symptoms" and "partner focused obsessive compulsive symptoms" were reviewed. As a result of the search, according to the inclusion criteria, 12 empirical studies on the relationship between OCD in romantic relationships and individual and relational variables with full-text access and written in English were analyzed. The methodological characteristics and results of the 12 included studies are presented in this systematic review study. The results of the studies suggest that symptoms related to romantic relationships negatively affect the functioning of individuals similar to OCD. When the variables associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms in romantic relationships are analyzed in individual and relational context, they are related to many factors such as psychopathologies, attachment styles, self and relationship satisfaction. In this context, there is a need for empirical studies carried out with clinical samples, exploring the effectiveness of psychotherapy and cross-cultural studies on obsessive-compulsive symptoms related to romantic relationships. Keywords: