OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE
PERSONALITY DISORDER
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder that’s characterized by extreme perfectionism, order, and neatness. People with OCPD will also feel a severe need to impose their own standards on their outside environment.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER VS.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are often a source of considerable confusion for researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients. Despite having similar names and symptoms, OCD and OCPD are distinct forms of mental illness that have unique and specific characteristics. The main difference is that OCD is designated in the DSM within its own category called Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders, while OCPD is considered a personality disorder.
Differentiating Between ConditionsWhile there is considerable overlap between the two disorders,
there are four basic ways to tell OCD and OCPD apart:
control or irrational behaviors you repeat over and over again, often with no apparent aim.
an aim and purpose.
(Some, however, may not see their actions as irrational and will not seek help
for behavior they believe to be helpful or necessary.)
While there are clear conceptual differences between OCD and OCPD, in practice, these disorders can be difficult to tell apart.
In some cases, a person may even be affected by both disorders.
To come to an informed diagnosis and find appropriate treatment, it is important to seek the care of a qualified
mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some OCD and/or OCPD sufferers may not recognize
the detrimental impact of their behavior(s) and may be in harm's way. If you know someone in this situation,
encourage them to seek professional help in a supporting, sensitive way.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are often a source of considerable confusion for researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients. Despite having similar names and symptoms, OCD and OCPD are distinct forms of mental illness that have unique and specific characteristics. The main difference is that OCD is designated in the DSM within its own category called Obsessive-Compulsive and related disorders, while OCPD is considered a personality disorder.
Differentiating Between ConditionsWhile there is considerable overlap between the two disorders,
there are four basic ways to tell OCD and OCPD apart:
- OCD is defined by the presence of true obsessions and/or compulsions.
control or irrational behaviors you repeat over and over again, often with no apparent aim.
- Persons with OCD are typically distressed by the nature of their behaviors or thoughts,
an aim and purpose.
- Persons with OCD will often seek professional help to overcome the irrational nature of their behavior
(Some, however, may not see their actions as irrational and will not seek help
for behavior they believe to be helpful or necessary.)
- Persons with OCPD will usually not seek help because they don't see that anything they are doing is
- The symptoms of OCD tend to fluctuate in association with the underlying anxiety.
While there are clear conceptual differences between OCD and OCPD, in practice, these disorders can be difficult to tell apart.
In some cases, a person may even be affected by both disorders.
To come to an informed diagnosis and find appropriate treatment, it is important to seek the care of a qualified
mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Some OCD and/or OCPD sufferers may not recognize
the detrimental impact of their behavior(s) and may be in harm's way. If you know someone in this situation,
encourage them to seek professional help in a supporting, sensitive way.
CAUSES
The exact cause of OCPD is unknown. Like many aspects of OCPD, the causes have yet to be determined.
OCPD may be caused by a combination of genetics and childhood experiences.
In some case studies, adults can recall experiencing OCPD from a very early age. They may have felt that they needed to be
a perfect or perfectly obedient child. This need to follow the rules then carries over into adulthood.
RISK FACTORS
The International OCD Foundation (OCDF) approximates that men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed with this personality disorder. According to the Journal of Personality Assessment, between 2 and 7 percent of the population has OCPD,
making it the most prevalent personality disorder.
Those with existing mental health diagnoses are more likely to be diagnosed with OCPD.
More research is needed to demonstrate the role that OCPD plays in these diagnoses.
Additionally, those with severe OCD are more likely to be diagnosed with OCPD.
The exact cause of OCPD is unknown. Like many aspects of OCPD, the causes have yet to be determined.
OCPD may be caused by a combination of genetics and childhood experiences.
In some case studies, adults can recall experiencing OCPD from a very early age. They may have felt that they needed to be
a perfect or perfectly obedient child. This need to follow the rules then carries over into adulthood.
RISK FACTORS
The International OCD Foundation (OCDF) approximates that men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed with this personality disorder. According to the Journal of Personality Assessment, between 2 and 7 percent of the population has OCPD,
making it the most prevalent personality disorder.
Those with existing mental health diagnoses are more likely to be diagnosed with OCPD.
More research is needed to demonstrate the role that OCPD plays in these diagnoses.
Additionally, those with severe OCD are more likely to be diagnosed with OCPD.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of OCPD include:
OCPD is diagnosed when symptoms impair your ability to function and interact with others.
The symptoms of OCPD include:
- perfectionism to the point that it impairs the ability to finish tasks
- stiff, formal, or rigid mannerisms
- being extremely frugal with money
- an overwhelming need to be punctual
- extreme attention to detail
- excessive devotion to work at the expense of family or social relationships
- hoarding worn or useless items
- an inability to share or delegate work because of a fear it won’t be done right
- a fixation with lists
- a rigid adherence to rules and regulations
- an overwhelming need for order
- a sense of righteousness about the way things should be done
- a rigid adherence to moral and ethical codes
OCPD is diagnosed when symptoms impair your ability to function and interact with others.
TREATMENT
If you have OCPD, your therapist will likely use a three-pronged approach to treatment, which includes the following:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of mental health counseling. During CBT, you meet with a mental health professional on a structured schedule. These regular sessions involve working with your counselor to talk through any anxiety, stress, or depression. A mental health counselor may encourage you to put less emphasis on work and more emphasis on recreation, family, and other interpersonal relationships.
Medication
Your doctor may consider prescribing a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to decrease some anxiety surrounding the obsessive-compulsive cycle. If you’re prescribed an SSRI, you may also benefit from support groups and regular treatment from a psychiatrist. Long-term prescription use isn’t usually recommended for OCPD.
Relaxation training
Relaxation training involves specific breathing and relaxation techniques that can help decrease your sense of stress and urgency. These symptoms are common in OCPD. Examples of recommended relaxation practices include yoga, tai chi, and Pilates.
