Contributions of Obsessive Pondering on an Individual: Potential Association with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? | Psych Central
In the complex world of human emotions, some individuals may find themselves grappling with an extreme obsession known as obsessive love disorder or limerence. These conditions, while sharing similarities, are distinct entities.
Obsessive love disorder is characterised by an intense, often unhealthy, obsession with protecting or controlling a person, often framed as "love." This obsession can lead to strained relationships, overstepping personal boundaries, and controlling behaviour.
Limerence, on the other hand, is a term that describes an infatuation or obsession with another person, stemming from romantic attraction that involuntarily develops into obsessive thoughts. Symptoms of being obsessed with someone include intrusive and obsessive thinking about a 'love object', replay and rehearsal of interactions, anxiety and self-consciousness, and emotional dependence.
Replay and rehearsal involves obsessive thinking about interactions you have had, or wish to have, with the love object. Intrusive thoughts about the love object may compromise other relationships due to being distracted by feelings about the love object, and obsessive thoughts may take up a lot of your time and make it challenging to complete responsibilities.
Emotional dependence involves an intense yearning for reciprocation from the love object, and feeling depressed at any sign of rejection from the love object. Symptoms of a person-centered obsession related to limerence include physical signs like heart palpitations, sweating, and insomnia, psychological symptoms such as panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, depression, and behavioural signs like excusing the loved one's harmful behaviour, emotional or physical dependency, feeling empty or lost without the person, and idealizing their few kind moments while ignoring the pain they cause.
If you're experiencing obsessive thoughts about another person that are interfering with your daily activities, consider speaking with a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, mental health counselor, or psychologist. Additional resources for managing OCD include The International OCD Foundation, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Peace of Mind - Culture and Diversity in OCD, and Made of Millions.
In 2018, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was approved as an add-on treatment for OCD. This non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to reduce symptoms. Some individuals with OCD benefit from medication in addition to therapy to improve symptoms. The most commonly prescribed medications for OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
It's important to remember that help is always available. If you're not in the United States, find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide. For suicide prevention, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text "HOME" to the Crisis Textline at 741741, or call the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 (for LGBTQIA+ individuals).
In a 2008 study, researchers Albert Wakin and Duyen Vo defined limerence as "an involuntary interpersonal state that involves an acute longing for emotional reciprocation, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and emotional dependence on another person." ERP (exposure response prevention) is the gold standard for the treatment of OCD, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that helps expose you to objects, situations, images, or thoughts that may trigger obsessions or compulsions. Up to half of the individuals who undergo ERP as a standalone treatment for OCD have minimal symptoms after treatment.
In conclusion, while obsessive love disorder and limerence can be challenging and disruptive, help and resources are available. Recognising the signs and seeking professional help can lead to improved mental health and wellbeing.
