When Affection Turns To Obsession: Understanding Obsessive Love Disorder

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What is Obsessive Love Disorder?

Obsessive love disorder (OLD) is a mental health condition wherein a person is so obsessed with the person he/she is in love with. While experiencing this condition, they might go over the road to protect their loved ones which results in obsession. In short, it means they try to gain control or possession over people they love.

Ask yourself, is this love? Is this how people love? Is this a healthy way of loving?

No, this is an unhealthy way of loving and people should not follow this. Moreover, there is no psychological classification for Obsessive Love Disorder. However, a mental health provider can help you to control the symptoms so that you can have a healthy relationship with no complications. This blog covers everything you need to know about Obsessive Love Disorder (OLD).

Symptoms of Obsessive Love Disorder:

Signs and symptoms of obsessive love disorder (OLD) are:

      • Overwhelming attraction
      • Uncontrollable obsession
      • Feeling the need of protecting the loved one
      • Possessive actions and thoughts
      • Extremely jealous
      • Low self-confidence

People with this condition also take rejection in a negative way which worsens their symptoms and impacts their relationship with people as well. Other signs and symptoms of OLD are:

    • Repeated texting or calling
    • Constant requirement of assurance
    • Difficulty in handling relationships and friendship
    • Difficulty in maintaining contact with family members
    • Constant urge of monitoring everything of their loved one
    • Full controlling nature over a loved one

Causes of Obsessive Love Disorder

Causes of Obsessive Love Disorder are still unknown, however; they are linked with various mental health conditions like:

1. Attachment disorder

The reason behind relating OLD with attachment disorder is a lack of empathy for a loved one. In attachment disorder, the person might feel over-friendly and take precautions around strangers.

2. Borderline personality disorder

The reason behind relating OLD with BPD is the disturbing self-worth and self-image coupled up with mood swings.

3. Obsessional Jealousy

Jealousy related to perceived infidelity is the reason behind relating OLD with obsessional jealousy. It also impacts everyday functioning.

4. Erotomania

This condition lies between OLD and delusional jealousy wherein you are jealous because your loved one has a higher status than you. And, it makes you feel uncomfortable.

5. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)

OCPD is derived from compulsive rituals and obsessive thoughts that impact your everyday life. It is also related to the constant need for reassurance which impacts relationships and friendships.

6. Delusional Jealousy

Delusional jealousy is based on delusions. This condition intersects between untrue events or things. It means having a feeling of reciprocated love which is not true. It is also related to alcoholism in men.

Diagnosis of Obsessive Love Disorder

OLD can be diagnosed with the help of a mental health expert.

If you think you or your loved one are experiencing something similar like this, please do not evaluate anything on your own and take the help of a mental health expert. To connect with a mental health professional from BetterHelp, click here.

During diagnosis, an expert will try to ask questions about symptoms and your past relationship. They also may ask you about your family history with any mental health condition.

A proper diagnosis from your mental health provider may help you in retrieving the causes behind the development of this disorder. As of now, Obsessive love disorder is not a part of the DSM-5. For a fact, OLD is more observed in females than males.

Treatment of Obsessive Love Disorder

As of now, there is no defined treatment for OLD. Basically, the treatment can be derived on the basis of underlying causes. Treatment for OLD is a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

Medicines are prescribed for adjusting chemicals of the brain. This helps in reducing symptoms of Obsessive Love Disorder. Your mental health expert may prescribe you:

  • Anti-anxiety pills
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Mood stabilizers

It might take weeks for medications to work in order. Until your mental health provider may also suggest psychotherapy along with medications. Side effects of the prescribed medication can be:

  • Dry mouth
  • Appetite changes
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of libido
  • Insomnia
  • Weight gain
  • Nausea
  • Worsening symptoms

Your mental health provider may also suggest psychotherapy along with medications

I hope this blog helps you in understanding Obsessive Love Disorder (OLD). Comment down your queries related to OLD. For more such content, follow Calm Sage on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading!

More power to you.

The post When Affection Turns To Obsession: Understanding Obsessive Love Disorder appeared first on Calm Sage – Your Guide to Mental and Emotional Well-being.