Compulsive personality disorder

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, as their way of thinking and acting seems natural to them.

Symptoms and Characteristics

Individuals with Compulsive Personality Disorder often exhibit a range of symptoms and characteristics, including but not limited to:

• 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 one's 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 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, environmental, and psychological factors are believed to contribute to its development. Personality disorders in general are thought to be caused by a combination of these factors:

• Genetic predispositions: There may be a hereditary aspect, as the disorder is more common in some families.
• Childhood experiences: Early experiences, including parenting styles and other environmental factors, can influence personality development.
• Brain structure and functioning: Some studies suggest differences in the brain structure and functioning of individuals with personality disorders.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Compulsive Personality Disorder is typically made by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, based on a thorough clinical interview and, when available, corroborating information from family or friends. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides specific criteria for diagnosing OCPD.

Treatment

Treatment for Compulsive Personality Disorder may include psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help individuals recognize and change their perfectionistic thoughts and behaviors. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions, such as depression or anxiety, though there are no medications specifically approved for CPD.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Compulsive Personality Disorder varies. With treatment, some individuals may learn to relax their standards and become more flexible, but the underlying personality traits are often enduring. Early intervention and treatment can improve outcomes.

See Also

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