Obsessive Love Disorder (What is it)

Obsessive Love Disorder is a condition that a person feels an incredible obsessive desire to protect and or possess another person with a strong attraction. Because of this failure or rejection is not an option with that person.

Also called (OLD) this condition makes one feel that the other person is a possession which can lead to major complications in relationships. The below will discuss the symptoms of obsessive love disorder and what treatment can help to decrease the symptoms.

What are the symptoms of obsessive love disorder?

The below are symptoms of obsessive love disorder and they make include the following:

• Obsessive thoughts about the person
• Possessive thoughts
• Overwhelming attraction to the person
• Overwhelming jealousy
• Overwhelming need to protect the person they are in love with
• Low self-esteem
• The need for reassurance
• Excessive emails, texts, and phone calls
• Controlling of the persons activities
• Monitoring the actions of that person

OLD is not a medical classification per se, however, experts say that it could be linked to other types of mental health disabilities such as attachment disorders, Erotomania, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Erotomania to name some of the mental health disabilities that could contribute to OLD

There is also another mental health disability called obsessional jealousy. The definition of this is a nondelusional preoccupation with another person’s perceived infidelity. The behaviors of this resemble that of OCD rather than that of delusional jealousy.

How is obsessive love disorder diagnosed

This disorder can be and should be evaluated by a psychiatrist or other professionals in the mental health field. The process usually will start by interviewing the person about their relationships and symptoms. It is possible that mental health issues are within your family and typically the professional will ask about this as well. Like we said prior, obsessive love disorder is not classified on the American Psychological Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Can OLD be treated?

Medication

A treatment plan will depend on what the underlying cause could be. Typically this will involve psychotherapy and medication in combination. Your doctor can recommend the correct medications and treatment. Medication can take weeks for it to start working and it is not uncommon to have to try different types for the one that fits you best. Anytime medication is used it is best to know what the possible side effects can be from your doctor.

Therapy

Therapy is another method to help obsessive love disorder. Mental health pros can recommend the following types of therapy options:

• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Talk therapy

It should be known that OLD is rate and it is thought that less than 0.1 percent of people suffer from this disorder. However, if you or someone you know feel like you may suffer from obsessive love disorder you should speak to a professional to get a further professional diagnosis