A mental health condition that involves extreme preoccupation with perfectionism, organization, and control is called obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). People who suffer from this mental disorder have rigid beliefs and need to have control of themselves, others, and situations. Usually, people do not allow for any flexibility and are usually unable to compromise with others. Furthermore, they do not even realize that their behavior and way of thinking are problematic. In addition, OCPD is a type of personality disorders that involve fear and anxiety.
In general, OCPD is one of the most common types of personality disorders, and it affects about 3% to 8% of people in the U.S.
What is The Difference between OCD and OCPD?
While these conditions sound very similar, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have some differences.
Generally, OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that causes frequent unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions). Therefore, it may lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). For instance, flipping a light switch multiple times or repeatedly washing hands. Moreover, people with OCD are aware they have this condition and accept medical help to treat it. However, those who suffer from OCPD are not aware of their problematic behavior.
Symptoms
While the primary symptom of OCPD is preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control, this condition may also cause other symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms of OCPD begin in early adulthood. Check below for other symptoms of OCPD:
- Preoccupation with and insistence on details, lists, rules, and organization
- Have perfectionism that often interferes with daily tasks
- Excessive devotion to work and productivity (this usually leads to neglecting hobbies and spending less time with loved ones)
- Extreme caution to avoid what they perceive as failure
- Rigid and stubborn in their beliefs and ways of doing things
- Unwilling to compromise
- Excessive doubt and indecisiveness
- Avoiding throwing out broken or worthless objects because they have sentimental value
- Difficulty working with other people
- Overly fixated on a single idea, task, or belief
- Difficulty coping with criticism
While people with OCPD appear confident, organized, and high-achieving, which may help them in some jobs, the inability to compromise or change their behavior may impact their relationships.
Causes
Generally, personality disorders are less understood compared to other mental disorders. However, experts continue to study what exactly causes personality disorders. Check below some factors that could play a role:
- Genetics – Healthcare providers have identified a malfunctioning gene in people with OCPD. They are also studying the connection between genetics and aggression, anxiety, and fear, which may play a role in personality disorders. Furthermore, the risk of developing OCPD significantly increases if you have a parent or sibling with these mental disorders (including depression, anxiety, or personality disorders).
- Childhood trauma – According to some recent studies, there is a link between childhood traumas (such as abuse) and personality disorder development.
Complications
People with OCPD can experience some complications because they are usually not aware of their problematic behavior. Check below some of them:
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic (long-term) stress
- Other mental diseases (such as substance use disorder)
- Relationship problems
- Problems at work or school
- Functional impairment
- Anger management issues
This document does not contain a full list of OCPD complications. However, you can talk with your healthcare professional about ways to reduce the risk of experiencing them.
How to Prevent Personality Disorders?
It is not possible to prevent personality disorders because experts do not fully understand what causes them. That’s why the treatment goal is to relieve the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Usually, people who get treatment notice improvements in their personal life, family, and friendships.
Diagnosis
Commonly, it is challenging to diagnose this condition because most people do not seek medical help. They often think their behavior is a way of thinking. In most cases, they visit a doctor when personality disorders cause other mental disorders (such as anxiety or depression) or other problems, including losing their job or relationships.
If you are referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist, they usually begin the diagnosis with questions about your relationships, work history, and others. Furthermore, mental health professionals may talk with your friends and family to get more clues about the disease. Usually, doctors confirm OCPD based on the criteria from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These include preoccupation with order, perfectionism, control of themselves, and other situations.
Treatment
While most people do not believe their behavior is problematic, one of the most effective treatments for OCPD is psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy). The goal of this therapy is to uncover the motivations and fears linked with their thoughts and behavior. It may also help relate to others more positively. Usually, doctors recommend the following types of talk therapy to treat OCPD. For example:
- Psychodynamic therapy – This treatment is used to better understand themselves and change how they relate to other people as well as their environment.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This therapy is used to change negative thoughts and adopt healthy thinking patterns and habits.
Currently, there are no medicines that can address OCPD symptoms, but doctors may prescribe some medications for anxiety and depression symptoms. To get improvements in OCPD, it is very important to manage other existing mental disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prognosis for OCPD?
Usually, the prognosis is good for people who get treatment as soon as possible. If it is left untreated, it may lead to relationship problems, occupational difficulties, and impaired social functioning.
What are the signs of an obsessive personality?
People who suffer from OCPD are usually excessively devoted to work, preoccupied with rules and details. Other signs include perfectionism, rigidity, and being inflexible in their thinking and behavior. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
At what age does OCPD usually start?
In most cases, people who suffer from OCPD notice symptoms in the teen years or early 20s.
What can OCPD be mistaken for?
There are some health conditions that can be mistaken for OCPD. These include:
- GAD (generalized anxiety disorder)
- Depression
- Tourette syndrome
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Hoarding disorder
This article does not contain a full list of disorders that can be mistaken for OCPD. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
