OCD Living With OCD How OCD Affects Your Relationships Symptoms and Disability Can Complicate Personal and Professional Relationships By Owen Kelly, PhD Owen Kelly, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, professor, and author in Ontario, ON, who specializes in anxiety and mood disorders. Learn about our editorial process Owen Kelly, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on August 04, 2019 Print Image Source/Image Source/Getty Images More in OCD Living With OCD Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Types Related Conditions If you have OCD or are the family member, friend or partner of someone with OCD, you probably know that that the symptoms and disability associated with OCD can place a great deal of strain on both personal and professional relationships. OCD and Romantic Relationships One thing that many people with OCD are frustrated by is difficulties in establishing and maintaining romantic relationships. Many people with OCD are single and those who are in a relationship or are married often report a significant amount of relationship stress. Unfortunately, symptoms and stigma can often get in the way of making a romantic connection. OCD and Sexual Intimacy Although it is not often talked about, a major barrier for many people with OCD engaging in a romantic relationship is problems related to sexual functioning. For many people, one of the key ingredients required for a healthy romantic relationship is active sex life. Although sexual problems are relatively common, research suggests that people with OCD report higher than average levels of problems with sexual functioning. Sometimes symptoms such as obsessions can relate directly to matters of sexuality or sexual practices. Also, some medications meant to help OCD can affect sex drive. OCD and Work: Dealing With Employers Personal relationships aside, for many people with OCD, seeking out, obtaining and maintaining gainful employment is a significant challenge. While symptoms of OCD themselves can get in the way of completing the required duties of a particular job, there is also the significant challenge of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination that is associated with OCD and other forms of mental illness. The symptoms of OCD and stigma about the disorder can conspire to make it difficult to forge strong professional relationships. Coping When a Family Member Has OCD Given these challenges, family members often want to help. However, as the family member of someone with OCD, it can be difficult to know what is the right thing to do, what to say or how to cope -- especially when symptoms are severe or complex or accompanied by other illnesses such as depression and other anxiety disorders. Dating Someone With OCD Likewise, although any intimate relationship has its ups and downs, dating someone with OCD can present some additional challenges. Above all, it is important to remember that an illness is what a person has, not who they are. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit