Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder characterized by an obsession with perfectionism, organization, control, and specific ways of doing things.

People suffering from this condition are very inflexible and must have things done in certain ways. They have very high standards and transfer them to others.

This disorder is classified under the category of "Cluster C" personality disorders, which are marked by anxiety and fear.

Despite the harmful impact of their behavior, individuals with this condition are not aware of the negative impact of their thoughts and actions.

Want to know more? These are the things we will cover in this post:

  1. OCPD vs OCD
  2. Signs and symptoms
  3. Cause
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Treatment
  6. How to cope on your own

Symptoms

The primary indicator of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is an obsession with order, perfectionism, control, and specific methods of doing things. These behaviours can hinder task completion and strain relationships.

Symptoms of OCPD typically emerge in early adulthood.

Individuals may:

  • Focus intensely on details, rules, lists, order, and organization.
  • Exhibit perfectionism that impedes task completion.
  • Show an excessive commitment to work and productivity, often at the expense of hobbies and time with loved ones.
  • Experience significant doubt and indecisiveness.
  • Go to great lengths to avoid failure in their eyes.
  • Very rigid and stubborn.
  • Not willing to compromise.
  • Hoard. Don't want to throw away broken or useless things, even with no sentimental value.
  • Are not very good at collaboration and giving tasks to others if their exact methods are not met.
  • Fixate excessively on a single idea, task, or belief.
  • View situations in a "black or white" manner (dichotomous thinking).
  • Have difficulty handling criticism.
  • Overemphasize flaws in others.

Most often, these individuals seem high-achieving, organized and confident.  Their high standards can be an advantage in some professions. At the same time, their relationships can be affected and made worse by their behaviour and beliefs.

Is OCPD the same as OCD?

The answer: No it isn't.

These conditions share some similarities in name but are distinct and with different characteristics.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder.

  • Its core symptoms are intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
  • Motivation for behaviour is to reduce anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts.
  • Persons are often aware that the behaviours are excessive/disruptive and typically ask for professional help.
  • Their symptoms fluctuate based on anxiety levels and can significantly impair daily functioning.
  • Common behaviours are excessive hand washing, checking, and counting.
  • It is an emotional response to high anxiety and distress.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is, as its name states, a personality disorder.

  • Its core symptoms are perfectionism, orderliness, and control.
  • Motivation for behaviour is strongly sticking to personal beliefs and standards. Persons affected are generally unaware that their thoughts/behaviours are problematic and may resist treatment. This is because they see their behaviour as justified.
  • The symptoms are constant and persistent over time. It can lead to rigidity in thinking and relationships. Common behaviours are rigid adherence to rules and perfectionism in tasks.
  • These persons have limited emotional expression that is focused on control.

What Causes OCPD?

The causes are not fully understood, but researchers believe it develops due to a combination of genetic factors, and childhood trauma.

Genetic factors: A malfunctioning gene that could contribute to this disorder was identified. Scientists have begun to explore genetic links to traits such as aggression, anxiety, and fear.

There may be a genetic component to this personality disorder. A family history of personality disorders, anxiety, or depression can also increase the likelihood of developing OCPD.

Childhood Trauma: There is a connection between trauma gained in childhood, such as abuse, and the development of personality disorders, according to studies. These traumatic experiences early in life can make a big impact on personality development and increase the risk of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Diagnosis

As previously mentioned, people with OCPD do not recognise that they have a problem with behaviour and thinking. This means that it is very challenging to diagnose them with the condition.

When they ask for help, it is usually because of some secondary problem like anxiety or depression caused by things that disrupt their sense of order, such as job loss or relationship difficulties, rather than the disorder itself.

Broad and non-confrontational questions are used by psychologists or psychiatrists to evaluate if the person potentially has the condition.

These questions aim to gather information about the individual's:

  • Relationships
  • Work history
  • Reality testing
  • Impulse control

Since persons with an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder might lack insight into their behaviour, professionals often collaborate with family and friends to gather additional information on the individual's history and behaviours.

To base the diagnosis, mental health professionals use criteria from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). In addition, the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) is used.

To be diagnosed with OCPD, a person must show a persistent pattern of preoccupation with:

  • Order
  • Perfectionism
  • Control of themselves, others, and situations

This pattern must be evident through four or more of the behaviours associated with OCPD symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is often challenging because individuals with this condition typically do not perceive their behaviours as problematic. However, they might seek help when other issues, such as anxiety or depression, cause distress.

This condition is treated by:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Medication

Psychotherapy for treating OCPD

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is the primary treatment.

It helps people understand the reasons and fears behind their thoughts and actions and teaches them better ways to connect with others.

Two effective forms of psychotherapy to treat this condition include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This structured, goal-oriented therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Through CBT, people can unlearn maladaptive behaviors and adopt healthier thinking patterns and habits.

Psychodynamic Therapy: This therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. It involves self-reflection and self-examination to understand problematic relationships and behavior patterns. By exploring conscious and unconscious thoughts and emotions, individuals can make better life choices and understand the impact of past experiences on their current behavior.

Medication

While no medication specifically treats personality disorders, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

SSRIs may also reduce rigidity, inflexibility, and perfectionist tendencies, making it easier to address the core features of OCPD in therapy.

Important Considerations for Understanding OCPD Treatment

Functional yet Impaired: Many individuals with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder remain functional in daily life. Their traits can sometimes enhance efficiency and assertiveness, which might mask the need for treatment.

Therapeutic Goals: The primary goals of therapy are to improve self-awareness, reduce maladaptive behaviors, and develop healthier interpersonal relationships.

By combining psychotherapy and, when necessary, medication, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How Can You Cope With OCPD on Your Own?

In addition to seeking treatment, there are some coping strategies you can use:

Psychoeducation: Understanding your symptoms will help you identify and better cope with the stress.

Managing Your Stress: Ensure that your stress levels are low to avoid worsening of your symptoms. Take a step back, and delegate your work.

Try Mindfulness and Meditation: Be mindful of your rigidness and be sensitive to others. Identifying triggers to extreme perfectionism to allow better planning when triggered. Try meditation or simple breathing exercises to calm down.

Seeking Expert Care for OCPD at Psychology Blossom Clinic in Singapore

Understanding and managing this disorder requires specialized care and expert guidance.

If you or a loved one is struggling with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, seeking professional help is a crucial step towards improvement.

At Psychology Blossom Clinic in Singapore, we are committed to helping you achieve a better quality of life through expert care and compassionate support.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward managing OCPD effectively. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.

Remember, Everyone Deserves To Blossom.

Contact Us

150 Cecil Street #07-02
Wing on Life Building
Singapore 069543

Message: +65 8800 0554

Phone: +65 8686 8592

[email protected]

Sources:

Ozaki, N., Goldman, D., Kaye, W. et al. Serotonin transporter missense mutation associated with a complex neuropsychiatric phenotype. Mol Psychiatry 8, 933–936 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4001365

Bozzatello P, Rocca P, Baldassarri L, Bosia M and Bellino S (2021) The Role of Trauma in Early Onset Borderline Personality Disorder: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. Front. Psychiatry 12:721361. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.721361 https://rdcu.be/dIekH

Swart, S., Wildschut, M., Draijer, N. et al. The clinical course of trauma-related disorders and personality disorders: study protocol of two-year follow-up based on structured interviews. BMC Psychiatry 17, 173 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1339-6

Schulze, A., Cloos, L., Zdravkovic, M. et al. On the interplay of borderline personality features, childhood trauma severity, attachment types, and social support. bord personal disord emot dysregul 9, 35 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40479-022-00206-9