An ROCD Test (Relationship OCD Test) is a self-assessment screening tool designed to help identify signs of Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Unlike general OCD tests, ROCD-specific assessments focus on relationship-centered obsessions – such as constant doubts about your partner, your feelings, or whether you're in the 'right' relationship. Important: ROCD tests are screening tools, not diagnostic instruments. Only qualified mental health professionals can diagnose ROCD.
About the ROCD Test: What Does This Assessment Measure?
Our ROCD Test (also known as a Relationship OCD Self-Assessment or relationship anxiety test) was designed to give you an initial, informed orientation on whether you might be showing signs of Relationship OCD. ROCD is a subtype of OCD where obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors focus on the romantic relationship, the partner, or one's own feelings.
This test is based on current scientific understanding of ROCD, particularly the research of Dr. Guy Doron and Dr. Danny Derby on relationship-related obsessive-compulsive disorder. Our questions align with established clinical instruments like the ROCI (Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory) and cover all five core dimensions identified in ROCD research.
Note: This ROCD test is different from general relationship anxiety assessments. While relationship anxiety is common and often temporary, ROCD involves persistent obsessions and compulsions that significantly impair daily functioning.
The test includes 20 questions covering five core areas of ROCD:
- Partner-Focused Doubts – Tormenting thoughts about your partner's qualities
- Relationship-Centered Doubts – Recurring uncertainty about the relationship
- Self-Focused Doubts – Doubts about your own feelings and ability to love
- Reassurance-Seeking – Seeking confirmation and certainty
- Comparing Behaviors – Comparing partner or relationship to others
These five dimensions capture the typical manifestations of ROCD.
What is ROCD (Relationship OCD)?
ROCD (Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a subtype of OCD in which sufferers experience tormenting, recurring doubts about their romantic relationship, their partner, or their own feelings. These doubts go far beyond normal relationship insecurities – they are intense, time-consuming, and cause significant distress.
ROCD was first systematically described by researchers Guy Doron and Danny Derby and has been established in the scientific literature. Two main forms are distinguished:
ROCD vs. Normal Relationship Doubts: What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions is: "Do I have ROCD or are these normal relationship doubts?" The answer lies not in the content of the doubts, but in their intensity, duration, and impact:
Feature |
Normal Doubts |
ROCD (Relationship OCD) |
|---|---|---|
Frequency |
Occasional, situational |
Constantly recurring, daily |
Time spent |
Brief consideration |
Hours of rumination |
Response |
Accepting uncertainty |
Compulsive analyzing, seeking reassurance |
After reassurance |
Relief lasts |
Brief relief, then new doubts |
Emotional impact |
Discomfort that fades |
Intense anxiety, despair, exhaustion |
Daily life impact |
Little to none |
Significant (work, relationship, enjoyment) |
The ROCD Paradox: People with ROCD often ruminate desperately about their relationship because it matters so much to them. The doubts don't arise from lack of love, but from fear of making the "wrong" decision. ROCD sufferers suffer because of their doubts – not because of the relationship itself.
One of the most common questions people ask: "Is it ROCD or am I actually in the wrong relationship?" This question itself can become a compulsion.
Signs pointing toward ROCD:
- Doubts persist regardless of your partner's behavior
- You've had similar doubts in previous relationships
- Seeking reassurance provides only brief relief
- The doubts feel intrusive and unwanted
Signs pointing toward genuine relationship issues:
- Specific, consistent problems (e.g., values mismatch, abuse)
- Doubts are proportionate to real issues
- You can think about concerns without spiraling
- The relationship lacks fundamental compatibility
Important: OCD experts recommend not making major relationship decisions during an ROCD spike. Start treatment first, then evaluate your relationship with a clearer mind.
Typical ROCD Symptoms: How Do I Recognize Relationship OCD?
ROCD manifests through various obsessions and compulsions:
Constantly analyzing your own feelings ("Do I feel enough?", "Is this real love?")
Comparing your partner to others (ex-partners, acquaintances, strangers)
Searching for proof that the relationship is right or wrong
Seeking reassurance from others or your partner
Avoiding situations that might trigger doubts
Mental rituals like making lists, testing feelings, reviewing memories
Online research about relationship topics, repeatedly taking ROCD tests
Is ROCD Treatable?
Yes, ROCD is highly treatable. The gold-standard treatment for all OCD subtypes, including ROCD, is ERP therapy (Exposure and Response Prevention). For ROCD, this means:
- Learning to tolerate uncertainty about the relationship without analyzing or seeking reassurance
- Deliberately exposing yourself to anxiety-provoking thoughts without performing compulsions
- Giving up the search for proof of the perfect relationship
Studies show that ROCD sufferers can achieve significant improvements with ERP therapy.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps ROCD sufferers learn a different way of responding to their doubts. The goal is not to achieve absolute certainty about the relationship – but to accept that 100% certainty is not possible in any relationship.
With ERP, sufferers learn to recognize their doubts for what they are: OCD symptoms, not helpful signals.
This self-assessment cannot provide a diagnosis. It serves only as an initial orientation. Only qualified mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists) can diagnose ROCD.
Important: Not everyone who takes this test has ROCD. Normal relationship doubts, relationship problems, or other factors can show similar patterns. A professional assessment is important to find the right support.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ROCD Test
The difference lies not in the content of the doubts, but in their intensity and impact. With ROCD, the doubts are tormenting, time-consuming (often hours daily), lead to compulsive behaviors (analyzing, seeking reassurance), and significantly impair your life. Normal doubts come and go, can be set aside, and don't lead to compulsions.
No. This is a common misconception. ROCD sufferers often ruminate precisely because the relationship matters so much to them. The doubts don't arise from lack of love, but from fear of making a wrong decision. ROCD is an anxiety disorder – the doubts are symptoms, not reliable information about your feelings.
Important: Major life decisions should not be made during an ROCD "spike" (acute doubt phase). Most OCD experts recommend starting treatment before making relationship decisions. If ROCD is the cause of your doubts, these doubts will likely reappear in your next relationship.
No, this self-assessment is not a diagnostic tool. It can only give you an initial orientation. An official diagnosis can only be made by qualified mental health professionals.
The test includes 20 questions and typically takes 5-7 minutes. Take your time and answer honestly – there are no right or wrong answers.
No, your answers are not stored or transmitted to us. The evaluation happens entirely in your browser. The ROCD Test is 100% anonymous.
If your result shows moderate or significant signs, we recommend: 1) Schedule an appointment with an OCD-experienced therapist, 2) Ask about ERP therapy (gold standard for OCD/ROCD), 3) Use the International OCD Foundation (iocdf.org) as a resource.
Yes. Some people experience ROCD symptoms regarding potential relationships ("Is this person the right one?"), past relationships ("Should I have stayed with my ex?"), or even friendships and family relationships.
The ROCI is a validated clinical instrument developed by researchers Dr. Guy Doron and colleagues specifically to measure ROCD symptoms. It assesses both partner-focused and relationship-centered obsessions. While our ROCD test is inspired by the dimensions identified in ROCI research, only licensed professionals can administer the official ROCI for clinical purposes.
No, though they share some features. Relationship anxiety is a broader term describing general worry about relationships – this is common and often temporary. ROCD is a specific subtype of OCD involving obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors (like constantly seeking reassurance or analyzing feelings), and significant distress. The key difference: ROCD includes compulsions and causes functional impairment.
ROCD rarely resolves completely without treatment. Symptoms may fluctuate – improving during calm periods and worsening during stress – but the underlying OCD patterns typically persist. The good news: ROCD responds well to ERP therapy (Exposure and Response Prevention), with many people achieving significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life.
This ROCD self-assessment is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It can indicate whether you show patterns consistent with ROCD, but it cannot diagnose you. Accuracy depends on honest self-reporting. False positives (showing signs without having ROCD) and false negatives (missing ROCD) are both possible. For accuracy, always consult an OCD-specialized mental health professional.
Next Steps After the ROCD Test
Regardless of your test result: If you're suffering from tormenting relationship doubts, you deserve support. Here are possible next steps:
For mild signs: Monitor your patterns, avoid excessive analyzing and reassurance-seeking
For moderate signs: Schedule an appointment with an OCD-experienced psychologist or therapist
For significant signs: Seek professional help soon, ask about ERP therapy
Find a therapist: IOCDF Therapist Directory, Psychology Today
Self-help: International OCD Foundation with resources and support groups
Sources and Scientific Basis
This ROCD Test is based on current scientific knowledge about relationship OCD. The questions were independently formulated and align with clinical concepts from ROCD research.
Doron, G., Derby, D. S., & Szepsenwol, O. (2014). Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD): A conceptual framework. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 3(2), 169-180. DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.12.005
Doron, G., Derby, D., Szepsenwol, O., Nahaloni, E., & Moulding, R. (2016). Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Interference, symptoms, and maladaptive beliefs. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 7, 58. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00058
Doron, G., Derby, D. S., Szepsenwol, O., & Talmor, D. (2012). Flaws and all: Exploring partner-focused obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 1(4), 234-243. DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2012.05.004 – Development of the ROCI (Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory)
DSM-5 (APA, 2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition.
ICD-11 (WHO, 2024). Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Code 6B20. icd.who.int
International OCD Foundation iocdf.org
International OCD Foundation – ROCD iocdf.org