Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a general pattern of concern with orderliness, perfectionism, excessive attention to details, mental and interpersonal control, and a need for control over one's environment, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency. Individuals with OCPD tend to be highly dedicated to work and productivity, often at the expense of leisure activities and friendships. This behavior is not the same as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which involves actual obsessions and compulsions.

Symptoms and Characteristics

The main features of Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder include a preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost; perfectionism that interferes with task completion; excessive devotion to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships; over-conscientiousness and inflexibility about matters of morality, ethics, or values; 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; adoption of a miserly spending style toward both self and others; and rigidity and stubbornness.

Causes

The exact cause of OCPD is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Personality disorders in general are thought to be caused by a combination of these factors, with early life experiences and family dynamics playing a significant role in the development of OCPD traits.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is typically made by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, through clinical evaluation. This includes assessing the individual's history and symptoms in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

Treatment

Treatment for OCPD often involves psychotherapy, with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) being one of the most effective approaches. CBT helps individuals recognize and change problematic patterns of thinking and behavior. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms, particularly if the person is experiencing significant anxiety or depression.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder varies. With treatment, many people with OCPD can learn to soften their perfectionism and become more flexible, but the personality structure is enduring and changes may be slow. The disorder can be a chronic condition, but with support and treatment, individuals can lead productive lives.

See Also

• Personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy