# Treatment of Limerence Using a Cognitive Behavioral Approach: A Case Study
URL:: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641115/
Author:: Brandy E Wyant
## Highlights
> Uncertainty is the driving force behind the development and maintenance of limerence ([2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641115/#bibr2-23743735211060812)). The individual experiencing limerence feels an attraction towards a particular “limerent object” (LO) whose willingness to reciprocate is uncertain. The greater the degree of uncertainty, the more intensely the individual ruminates about the LO, and the greater the desire for reciprocation. This pattern of uncertainty about the LO's feelings and availability may distinguish limerence from the early stages of a typical romantic relationship, in which both partners often experience infatuation or obsession with each other. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mpzfycj5jqwewv6pv6v0k))
> Sessions 2 and 3: Exposure response prevention ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0msbvdssm0s3bw1advqrkz))
> Session 4: Cognitive restructuring ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mssak0ry5k71e85kxs4bn))
> However, limerence is in many ways distinct from OCD. While most with OCD have little ability to tolerate uncertainty, for BW, uncertainty was a driving force of the limerence. BW believed that should the LO express interest in a committed, deeper relationship, the limerence would dissipate, which is consistent with Tennov's reported observations ([1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641115/#bibr1-23743735211060812)). The attraction of the LO is her unavailability. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mv56wjzhsc0xz7p1xese1))
---
Title: Treatment of Limerence Using a Cognitive Behavioral Approach: A Case Study
Author: Brandy E Wyant
Tags: readwise, articles
date: 2024-01-30
---
# Treatment of Limerence Using a Cognitive Behavioral Approach: A Case Study
URL:: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641115/
Author:: Brandy E Wyant
## AI-Generated Summary
Limerence is a condition characterized by an obsessive attachment to a particular person, causing significant emotional distress and interference with daily functioning. This case study describes a treatment approach using cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as exposure response prevention, for a 28-year-old individual with limerence. The treatment resulted in a decrease in compulsive rituals and dysfunctional thought patterns related to the limerent object. The study highlights the lack of established diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols for limerence, but suggests that approaches used for anxiety disorders, like OCD, can be adapted for limerence treatment.
## Highlights
> Uncertainty is the driving force behind the development and maintenance of limerence ([2](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641115/#bibr2-23743735211060812)). The individual experiencing limerence feels an attraction towards a particular “limerent object” (LO) whose willingness to reciprocate is uncertain. The greater the degree of uncertainty, the more intensely the individual ruminates about the LO, and the greater the desire for reciprocation. This pattern of uncertainty about the LO's feelings and availability may distinguish limerence from the early stages of a typical romantic relationship, in which both partners often experience infatuation or obsession with each other. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mpzfycj5jqwewv6pv6v0k))
> Sessions 2 and 3: Exposure response prevention ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0msbvdssm0s3bw1advqrkz))
> Session 4: Cognitive restructuring ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mssak0ry5k71e85kxs4bn))
> However, limerence is in many ways distinct from OCD. While most with OCD have little ability to tolerate uncertainty, for BW, uncertainty was a driving force of the limerence. BW believed that should the LO express interest in a committed, deeper relationship, the limerence would dissipate, which is consistent with Tennov's reported observations ([1](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8641115/#bibr1-23743735211060812)). The attraction of the LO is her unavailability. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hk0mv56wjzhsc0xz7p1xese1))