Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) belongs to Cluster C disorder groupings and is mainly characterized as being extremely preoccupied with order, control, perfectionism, and neatness.

Important disclaimer: There is a difference between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCPD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The significant difference is that one belongs in personality disorder groupings (stable, long-held, problematic, and atypical personality traits) and the other is a condition on its own that fall under “OCD and Related Disorders” in the DSM-5. Another significant distinguish between both is the presence of true obsessions and compulsions in OCD.

Symptoms

  • Preoccupied with details, lists, order, and rules that can be very minimal
  • Having a desire to control their relationships with others
  • Having a need for perfection even in the smallest details in their lives  
  • Having a hard time lending or giving things to others  
  • Inflexible when it comes to their ethics, morals, or values  
  • Inability to be generous to others
  • Inability to get rid of items that are worthless or worn-out, even if they don’t carry sentimental value
  • Having a restraining attitude when it comes to their emotions  
  • Having an extreme need for perfection and control  
  • Having trouble balancing priorities in their lives. Mostly devotion to their work out-rules other relationships
  • Having a hard time empathizing with others or maintaining relationships  

Prevalence

Obsessive- compulsive personality disorders are equally prevalent in men and women according to the DSM-5 with an estimated prevalence rate between 4-7%. OCPD can be present and diagnosed in early adulthood.

Prognosis

The outlook for someone with OCPD might be better than other personality disorders. When their traits are in moderation, it may be adaptive but when their symptoms are inflexible, maladaptive and persisting, it might be hard to change.

When to seek help

If you or someone you know suspects that you have symptoms similar to obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, we encourage you to seek professional help early on. Lastly, we know that sometimes people tend to read symptoms associated with a certain disorder and claim that “I do that, I have this etc.”. When this happens, just remember that these symptoms have to be recurrent, persistent, and affect everyday tasks greatly. They are rare and chronic, but help is always reachable and effective.

Treatment

Like most personality disorders, OCPD can be treated using psychotherapy or medications when needed.  

An example of talk therapy includes Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps you in the process of noticing and changing the negative thoughts and behavioral patterns that’s associated with OCPD. These sessions focus on working through any anxiety, depression, or stress and put more emphasis on interpersonal relationships.  

Medications are used to decrease any underlying conditions that might be experienced with OCPD like depression or anxiety. In this case, antidepressants or medications that control anxiety symptoms can be used and be of benefit.  

A specific intervention/ treatment that can be used with obsessive-compulsive personalities is relaxation training which can help decrease symptoms of stress and urgency.