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Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a mental health condition that causes an extensive preoccupation with perfectionism, organization and control. These behaviors and thought patterns interfere with completing tasks and maintaining relationships.
People with OCPD have rigid beliefs and specific ways of doing different tasks. They don’t allow for any flexibility and are unable to compromise with others. People with OCPD often don’t realize their behavior and way of thinking are problematic.
OCPD is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster C” personality disorders, which involve anxiety and fear.
What is the difference between OCD and OCPD?
Even though they sound similar, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are different conditions.
OCD is an anxiety disorder in which you have frequent unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause you to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Examples of compulsions include flipping a light switch a certain number of times or repeatedly washing your hands.
People with OCD usually are aware that the condition is causing their behavior and accept that they need professional help to treat it. People with OCPD usually have little, if any, self-awareness of their behaviors.
Who does obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) affect?
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder usually begins in your late teens or early 20s. It’s more common in adults whose highest education level is high school graduation or less.
OCPD is also more likely to affect people with the following mental health conditions:
Anxiety disorders (24%), such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Mood disorders (24%), such as bipolar disorder.
Mild to moderate substance use disorders (12% to 25%).
How common is OCPD?
Studies suggest that OCPD is the most common personality disorder in the general population in the United States. It affects 3% to 8% of adults.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of OCPD?
The main sign of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is a pervasive preoccupation (obsession) with order, perfectionism, control and specific ways of doing things. These behaviors make it difficult to complete tasks and cause issues with relationships.
Symptoms of OCPD usually begin by early adulthood.
A person with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) may:
Be preoccupied with and insist on details, rules, lists, order and organization.
Have perfectionism that interferes with completing tasks.
Have excessive devotion to work and productivity. This results in neglecting hobbies and spending less time with loved ones.
Have excessive doubt and indecisiveness.
Use extreme caution to avoid what they perceive to be failure.
Be rigid and stubborn in their beliefs and ways of doing things.
Be unwilling to compromise.
Be unwilling to throw out broken or worthless objects, even if they have no sentimental value.
Have difficulty working with others or delegating tasks unless they agree to do things exactly as the person wants.
Frequently become overly fixated on a single idea, task or belief.
Perceive everything as “black or white” (dichotomous thinking).
Have difficulty coping with criticism.
Over-focus on flaws in other people.
At a glance, people with OCPD usually appear confident, organized and high-achieving. Their exacting standards may even benefit them in certain jobs. However, their inability to compromise or change their behaviors usually negatively affects their relationships.
What causes obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?
Personality disorders, including obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, are among the least understood mental health conditions.
Researchers are still trying to figure out the exact cause of them, but they think personality disorders develop due to several factors, including:
Genetics: Scientists have identified a malfunctioning gene that may be a factor in OCPD. Researchers are also exploring genetic links to aggression, anxiety and fear, which are traits that can play a role in personality disorders. People are also more likely to have OCPD if they have biological family members with personality disorders, anxiety or depression.
Childhood trauma: One study revealed a link between childhood traumas, such as child abuse, and the development of personality disorders.
Our therapists at Star Point Counseling Center in Tampa, South Tampa, Hyde Park, West Tampa & Ybor City feel OCPD can contribute to bad relationships and marriage. Our Therapists can help you with couples counseling, marriage counseling & marriage therapy if you suffer from OCPD.
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