Have you ever felt loved or loved someone too much? This condition is called obsessive love disorder. Instead of having healthy relationships, people with obsessive love disorder Instead, they can be overprotective, demanding, and restrictive.
Obsessive love disorder (OLD) is a condition in which a person becomes obsessed with the person he loves very much. This can happen to people who are already married or in a relationship.
In addition, OLD can also be experienced by people who do not have a relationship with the person they love, but feel that the person they love also loves them. This condition occurs in a psychiatric disorder called erotomania.
Recognize the Characteristics Obsessive Love Disorder
Excessive love makes someone with obsessive love disorder feel the need to look after and protect their loved ones. In fact, they control the person he loves as if he is completely his.
Symptom obsessive love disorder It may not appear at the beginning of the relationship, but it can continue to develop and only become visible over time. Symptoms of OLD can be even more visible when a loved one rejects their love.
Here are some signs or characteristics that indicate that someone is experiencing obsessive love disorder:
- Possessive thinking and acting, for example, always wanting to know and monitor the activities of their loved ones. He also usually keeps in touch with his loved ones via text message or phone to find out how he is doing.
- Always want to spend time together, but with too much time.
- Excessively jealous and overprotective of a partner or loved one.
- Trying to limit the social life of loved ones.
- Trying to control the personal life of loved ones, for example in terms of finances or social relationships.
- Feeling excessively happy when successfully contacting or managing loved ones.
Reason Obsessive Love Disorder
Until now, the cause obsessive love disorder not known for sure. However, this condition is thought to be associated with several mental disorders, such as:
- Attachment disorder, which is a mental disorder that makes the sufferer find it difficult to establish relationships or even be too emotionally attached to other people
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Jealousy-inducing delusions or Othello syndrome
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
In addition, a history of psychological trauma, such as having been abandoned by a loved one or hurt because of an affair, can also make a person more at risk of developing OLD.
How to overcome Obsessive Love Disorder
Loving someone too much to be obsessed with wanting to control their life is certainly not a good thing. Not only harming other people, this condition also makes it difficult for sufferers to focus on work and activities, as well as interfere with their social life and those of their loved ones.
Because obsessive love disorder often triggered by other psychological disorders, people who experience this condition should see a psychiatrist or psychologist.
To determine the cause obsessive love disorder, a psychiatrist or psychologist will conduct a psychiatric examination. After the cause is known, then the appropriate type of treatment can be determined, including:
Administration of drugs
The drugs given depend on the cause of OLD. If your OLD is caused by borderline personality disordererotomania, bipolar disorder, or OCD, the doctor will prescribe antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medications to keep mood remain stable.
In addition, the doctor may also prescribe a sedative or anxiety reliever if this condition is caused by an anxiety disorder.
Psychotherapy
In addition to medication, people who have OLD can also be treated with psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. In married patients, marriage counseling can be undertaken as a way to control symptoms obsessive love disorder.
By undergoing therapy, patients will be guided to be able to think positively and find the best way to overcome the urges they feel. Therapy and counseling can also help patients and their partners build healthier, more trusting relationships.
Naturally, love can indeed trigger an obsession. When in love, a person may want to do what is best for the person he loves and have that person completely. However, it is not natural for there to be an obsession to take over and manage all aspects of the lives of our loved ones.
Try to learn what a healthy relationship looks like and apply it to your relationship with your partner.
Instead of managing your partner's life, it's better for you to do useful activities, such as hone your skills or find a new hobby, and prioritize your responsibilities in studying or working.
If your obsession with the person you love is interfering with your life and that of them, you should consult a psychologist or psychiatrist before this condition destroys your relationship with them.
