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People with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, just as those afflicted with the more commonly known Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), are overly preoccupied with perfection, order and control – at the expense of losing all flexibility, openness and efficiency. (APA 2013) Their obsession for doing everything “right” impairs their productivity. They become so focused on organization and detail that they miss the bigger picture or the whole point of the activity. The result is their work is late or behind schedule, or even never completed at all.
Rigid and Stubborn
Individuals with this personality disorder tend to be rigid and stubborn. They are rarely satisfied with their own performance, but will not seek help or even work with a team, convinced that others are careless or incompetent and incapable of “doing the job right.” Fear of making a mistake can prevent them from making timely decisions.
These individuals have difficulty expressing affection and their relationships are often stiff and superficial. They avoid leisure activities and friendships, tend to be overly orderly and often are passionate collectors.
White, Educated, Married Men
It is estimated that between one and two percent of the population display Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. The vast majority of those who have received a diagnosis are white, educated, married and employed men. (Paris, 2010; Mattia & Zimmerman, 2001)
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder and OCD share a number of features, and many clinicians believe they are closely related. In addition, many peoole who suffer from one of the two disorders could meet the diagnostic criteria for the other disorder as well. (Lochner et al, 2011) However it is worth noting that people with the personality disorder are also more likely to suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or a Substance Use Disorder than from OCD. (Pinto et et, 2008) Researchers have difficulty pin-pointing a specific link between Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder and OCD.
What’s the Big Deal?
Unlike OCD, people with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder do not experience the invasion of their thoughts, urges, images, or consciousness. Neither are they caused unreasonable distress. As such, they don’t believe there is any need for treatment unless they are suffering from another disorder, or someone close to them insists that treatment is necessary.
When treatment is given however, they respond well to a variety of therapeutic approaches such as congnitive therapy to help change thinking. Occasionally antidepressant drugs that midly increase serotonin levels have been moderately helpful.
People with OCD typically do not want or like their symptoms, whereas those with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder will often embrace their symptoms, rarely wishing to resist them.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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