Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a mental illness in which a person is preoccupied with perfectionism, orderliness, and being organized. People with OCPD feel that things cannot be flexible and are unwilling to compromise with others.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is often confused with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Both are two different conditions. People with OCPD don't realize there is something wrong with them. They think that their way of thinking and behavior is the most correct among other people.
Characteristic features
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder usually begins in the late teens or early young adults, especially those with a high school education or lower. The main features of this disorder are a widespread obsession with order, perfectionism, control, and having your way. Its habits are like:
- Everything should be detailed, according to rules, lists, sequences, and organized
- Their perfectionism hinders the execution of assignments.
- Overly committed to work and productivity
- Doubt too much
- They are cautious to avoid anything they consider a failure
- Be stubborn and stiff
- Not willing to compromise
- Don't want to throw away damaged or worthless items
- Unwilling to delegate work to others unless the other person agrees to do it exactly as they want
- Always fixated on one idea, task, or belief
- Perceiving things as black and white
- It's hard to accept criticism.
- Too focused on the shortcomings of others
- Look confident, organized, and accomplished
People with OCPD are difficult to compromise
Causes
The exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is unknown as it is rarely studied due to the rare cases. However, it is believed that several factors influence this personality disorder. The first is genetics, where there are genes that don't work, and many of the same cases are found in close relatives.
The second is childhood trauma, such as abuse. Someone with another mental health condition is more likely to be diagnosed with OCPD, such as severe OCD, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, or mild to moderate substance use disorder. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder cannot be prevented.
People with OCPD usually have other mental health problems as well
Diagnosis
As with other personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is challenging to diagnose because the sufferer does not feel anything is wrong with it. Usually, an assessment is done to diagnose the condition regarding work history, relationships with other people, reality testing, and impulse control. A person must have a persistent pattern of preoccupation with order, perfectionism, and control over self, other people, and situations.
Therapy
The primary treatment for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is psychotherapy. Therapy aims to help people express their motivations and fears that affect their thoughts and behavior. 2 types of treatment can be done: psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
In addition, you can also do relaxation exercises with breathing techniques such as yoga, pilates, and tai chi to reduce stress and urgency; group therapy and taking anti-anxiety medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and long-term prescriptions are not recommended.
Thus, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is characterized by perfectionism, strict adherence to rules, and having to be organized. They believe everything should be done according to their standards, not only for themselves but also for others. If you Ladies still have many questions, you can try a consultation at Fitie!