Compulsive personality

Compulsive Personality Disorder (CPD), also known as Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency. This condition is distinct from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which involves actual obsessions and compulsions. People with CPD may not realize that their behavior is problematic because their way of thinking and acting seems natural to them.

Symptoms and Characteristics

Individuals with Compulsive Personality Disorder often exhibit a consistent pattern of behavior that includes:

• A preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost.
• Showing perfectionism that interferes with task completion (e.g., unable to complete a project because their own overly strict standards are not met).
• Excessive devotion to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships (not accounted for by obvious economic necessity).
• Being overconscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values (not accounted for by cultural or religious identification).
• Inability to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value.
• Reluctance to delegate tasks or to work with others unless they submit to exactly his or her way of doing things.
• Adopting a miserly spending style toward both self and others; money is viewed as something to be hoarded for future catastrophes.
• Showing rigidity and stubbornness.

Causes

The exact cause of Compulsive Personality Disorder is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Personality disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of these factors:

• Genetics: Some studies suggest that personality disorders may be hereditary or have a genetic component.
• Environment: Childhood experiences, including family dynamics, parenting styles, and other environmental factors, are thought to play a significant role in the development of personality disorders.
• Brain Structure and Functioning: Some research indicates that abnormalities in certain areas of the brain may contribute to personality disorders.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Compulsive Personality Disorder is typically made by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, through clinical evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides criteria for diagnosing CPD.

Treatment

Treatment for Compulsive Personality Disorder may include psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help individuals recognize and change their patterns of thinking and behavior. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions, such as depression or anxiety. However, treatment can be challenging because individuals with CPD often do not see their behavior as problematic.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Compulsive Personality Disorder varies. With treatment, some individuals may learn to adapt their behaviors and lead more flexible, satisfying lives. However, others may continue to experience significant difficulties in work and social relationships.

See Also

• Personality Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy