Sophia, 24, o OCD-ju v odnosih: "Nisem mogla iti iz hiše, ker me je skrbelo, da bom varala svojega fanta".

A 24-year-old woman named Sophia described how obsessive doubts about her relationship with her partner left her unable to leave her home, fearing she might cheat on him. The experience has led her to speak publicly about what she calls "relationship OCD," a condition that affects daily life and emotional well-being. Sophia, who works as a waitress and content creator in Leeds, United Kingdom, shared her story with the BBC, detailing how intrusive thoughts about her relationship began to dominate her mind and severely impacted her ability to function normally. The symptoms of relationship OCD, known as TOC-R, involve persistent and distressing doubts about one's feelings for their partner, compatibility, and whether they are making the right choices in the relationship. For Sophia, these thoughts became so overwhelming that she could not go to work during some of her worst days. She spent hours lying in bed, questioning herself and seeking reassurance through interactions with AI platforms such as ChatGPT. Her condition was described as a "mental torture," marked by relentless self-criticism and fear of betraying her partner despite having no evidence of wrongdoing. Sophia’s experience highlights the challenges faced by individuals dealing with relationship OCD, which is a subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder. While general OCD affects approximately 1 to 3 percent of the global population, specific data on the prevalence of relationship OCD is scarce because it is not classified as a separate diagnostic category. Experts suggest that relationship OCD can manifest in two ways: either through doubts about one's own feelings or the relationship itself, or through fixation on perceived flaws in the partner. It often emerges during significant changes in relationships, such as moving in together or getting married. According to clinical psychologist Guy Doron of the Reichman University in Israel, research into relationship OCD has grown significantly over the past decade. He noted that the condition is becoming more recognized, though still relatively unknown among the public. Relationship OCD can be exacerbated by factors such as perfectionism, overthinking, and prior experiences that shape how individuals perceive their relationships. Social media also plays a role, as it often presents an unrealistic portrayal of love and relationships, creating expectations that real-life partnerships struggle to meet. Sophia explained how social media influenced her perception of her relationship, noting that seeing couples online who appeared perfect created unrealistic standards. This contrast made her question her own relationship more intensely, leading to cycles of doubt and anxiety. She emphasized that the internal voice criticizing her relationship felt unbearable, causing her to seek constant reassurance and validation from external sources. Experts warn that relationship OCD can lead to severe emotional distress and interfere with personal and professional life. Individuals affected often find themselves trapped in a loop of questioning and seeking confirmation, which can prevent them from living fully. Treatment typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy aimed at challenging irrational thoughts and developing healthier coping mechanisms. However, many people remain unaware of the condition, delaying treatment until their symptoms become unmanageable. Sophia continues to navigate her journey with relationship OCD, striving to manage her thoughts while maintaining her relationship. Her story underscores the need for greater awareness and understanding of this lesser-known form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which affects countless individuals worldwide.