Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is different than Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCPD is a personality disorder; individuals with this disorder are generally inflexible; have a strong bent toward perfectionism and orderliness; and are deeply concerned with rules, systems, and details. OCD is an anxiety disorder. It is possible to have both disorders.
If you have Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), you may have difficulty completing projects because you tend to get caught up in completing every detail perfectly. People with OCPD may achieve at a high level and be very good at detailed and complex work. However, they are often unable to deal with any deviance from their self-imposed rules, timelines, or schedules. These rules or requirements may not make sense to anyone but them, and can cause difficulty in interactions with others.
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
OCPD has a few specific characteristics that set it apart from other personality disorders. You should speak to your doctor if you notice any of the following characteristics in yourself or a loved one, including:
- An obsession with work or tasks to be completed
- Extreme irritation or anger when a schedule or routine is changed
- Perfectionism that stops you from completing a task or delegating a task to others
- An inability to throw things away even when the item has no worth
- A lack of generosity in general or miserliness about money or resources
- Being very obsessive, judgmental, and inflexible in matters of morals or judgment
- An inability to see any other way to perform a task or behave except for your way
- A preoccupation with rules, lists, details, and systems
Causes and Risk Factors for Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Personality disorders such as OCPD do not have any one specific cause. Some risk factors that may make you more susceptible to developing OCPD include:
- A family history of personality disorders, anxiety, or depression
- Childhood trauma, including child abuse that leaves you feeling like being ‘perfect’ is the only way to survive
- Having a preexisting mental health condition, especially an anxiety disorder
Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Many forms of treatments can help make your personality disorder easier to live with. Talk to your doctor about coming up with a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Medication: Some medications, including anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants, can help control your symptoms. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
Therapy: Therapy is the first line of treatment for most personality disorders. Talk therapy, group therapy, and occupational therapy can all be beneficial to individuals with OCPD. Find a therapy option through Sheppard Pratt.
Education: Learning more about personality disorders and mental health can help you and your loved ones better understand and cope with your condition. Use our Knowledge Center to learn more about mental health, treatments, and therapies.
Support: Finding the right support group can help you feel better and learn new coping skills. See support groups available at Sheppard Pratt.
