# Signs, Causes, Treatment  URL:: https://www.anxiety.org/limerence-and-relatonship-based-ocd-symptoms-and-treatments Author:: 1 ## Highlights > In her book *Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love*, psychologist Dorothy Tennov describes limerence. She coined the term, which refers to an unhealthy obsessive state in which an individual becomes all-consumed with securing or maintaining emotional reciprocation from their object of affection, known as the limerent object, or LO. Often this occurs despite being incapacitated by shyness in the LO's presence. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mbjnd3j2eg2244665j7x1)) > Limerence exists as a constant state of anxiety, which is focused solely upon the perceived reciprocity from the LO. This leads to [ruminative](https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-rumination) and patterns of avoidance thinking (such as distraction as a coping strategy) that are similar to those of [OCD](https://www.anxiety.org/understanding-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-process). ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mc4b7ptbcjs9q9jmv5zry)) > However, one major difference between limerence and ROCD lies in how the partner is considered. The former is defined by an overwhelming fear of rejection, while the latter may lead to obsessing over not liking a partner enough5. A second major difference is that the goal of limerence is achieving emotional reciprocation, so compulsive behaviors are contingent on perceived feedback from the LO. In ROCD, the goal is to neutralize anxiety-provoking thoughts by repeating compulsive mental acts and behaviors. Noted psychologist Albert Wakin defines limerence as a combination of OCD and addiction, like living in a state of compulsory longing4. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mcp2kmztyegd19eg033w1)) > Based on the practice guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association, the best evidence-based OCD treatments include the combination of [serotonin-reuptake inhibitors](https://www.anxiety.org/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor-ssri) (SRIs) and [cognitive-behavioral therapy](https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt) (CBT), particularly the technique of [exposure and response prevention](https://www.anxiety.org/exposure-therapy-and-extinction-anxiety-treatment)(ERP)8. CBT also has particularly beneficial results with individuals who have ROCD; some of the most widely used cognitive-behavioral techniques include cognitive restructuring and ERP. Experiential techniques such as imagery rescripting have also been incorporated into CBT programs to challenge fears related to attachment- and commitment-related behaviors9. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mdshezvmhrnc2b0g1hhj4)) > Meditation and practicing [mindfulness](https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-mindfulness-meditation-four-noble-truths) may also prove useful to stay present and centered, rather than ruminating about the past or future romantic fantasies. Also beneficial is joining a 12-step program to find support among others who are struggling with similar issues. In addition, it is helpful to read about limerence and ROCD to gain insight into how family dynamics and attachment patterns may have influenced maladaptive patterns10. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0medangvnyyevt4kdn3c0m)) --- Title: Signs, Causes, Treatment Author: 1 Tags: readwise, articles date: 2024-01-30 --- # Signs, Causes, Treatment  URL:: https://www.anxiety.org/limerence-and-relatonship-based-ocd-symptoms-and-treatments Author:: 1 ## AI-Generated Summary Limerence, or obsessive romantic attraction and the desire for reciprocation, along with relationship-centered OCD create dysfunction and distress. ## Highlights > In her book *Love and Limerence: The Experience of Being in Love*, psychologist Dorothy Tennov describes limerence. She coined the term, which refers to an unhealthy obsessive state in which an individual becomes all-consumed with securing or maintaining emotional reciprocation from their object of affection, known as the limerent object, or LO. Often this occurs despite being incapacitated by shyness in the LO's presence. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mbjnd3j2eg2244665j7x1)) > Limerence exists as a constant state of anxiety, which is focused solely upon the perceived reciprocity from the LO. This leads to [ruminative](https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-rumination) and patterns of avoidance thinking (such as distraction as a coping strategy) that are similar to those of [OCD](https://www.anxiety.org/understanding-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-process). ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mc4b7ptbcjs9q9jmv5zry)) > However, one major difference between limerence and ROCD lies in how the partner is considered. The former is defined by an overwhelming fear of rejection, while the latter may lead to obsessing over not liking a partner enough5. A second major difference is that the goal of limerence is achieving emotional reciprocation, so compulsive behaviors are contingent on perceived feedback from the LO. In ROCD, the goal is to neutralize anxiety-provoking thoughts by repeating compulsive mental acts and behaviors. Noted psychologist Albert Wakin defines limerence as a combination of OCD and addiction, like living in a state of compulsory longing4. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mcp2kmztyegd19eg033w1)) > Based on the practice guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association, the best evidence-based OCD treatments include the combination of [serotonin-reuptake inhibitors](https://www.anxiety.org/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor-ssri) (SRIs) and [cognitive-behavioral therapy](https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt) (CBT), particularly the technique of [exposure and response prevention](https://www.anxiety.org/exposure-therapy-and-extinction-anxiety-treatment)(ERP)8. CBT also has particularly beneficial results with individuals who have ROCD; some of the most widely used cognitive-behavioral techniques include cognitive restructuring and ERP. Experiential techniques such as imagery rescripting have also been incorporated into CBT programs to challenge fears related to attachment- and commitment-related behaviors9. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mdshezvmhrnc2b0g1hhj4)) > Meditation and practicing [mindfulness](https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-mindfulness-meditation-four-noble-truths) may also prove useful to stay present and centered, rather than ruminating about the past or future romantic fantasies. Also beneficial is joining a 12-step program to find support among others who are struggling with similar issues. In addition, it is helpful to read about limerence and ROCD to gain insight into how family dynamics and attachment patterns may have influenced maladaptive patterns10. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0medangvnyyevt4kdn3c0m))