{"id":6878,"date":"2014-06-10T11:00:13","date_gmt":"2014-06-10T10:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/?p=6878"},"modified":"2023-03-08T11:55:00","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T11:55:00","slug":"obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.harleytherapy.co.uk\/counselling\/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-2.htm","title":{"rendered":"What is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"obsessive<\/a>

By: Mark Hillary<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Most of us have one or two things in life we like a certain way. Perhaps we can’t bear mess at home, hate things not going to schedule, or tend to be a bit controlling in relationships<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a person with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) the need to control life <\/strong>— for things to be orderly, perfect — is far from limited and occasional. Instead it’s an all pervasive focus that comes before everything, including relationships and having fun.<\/p>\n

As the name suggests, there is an obsessive aspect to the disorder (such as keeping lists and making rigorous schedules) and a compulsive aspect (such as overworking even if there is no economic advantage to be gained).<\/p>\n

It’s important to note that, as with all personality disorders, there is a spectrum between ‘normal’ and the disorder.<\/strong> So even if you are convinced that you or someone you know ‘matches’ some of the symptoms of OPCD, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have the disorder. A few symptoms does not always a disorder make. When someone actually has a personality disorder<\/span> <\/a>it is not just an inconvenience, but affects their ability to function on a daily basis and it affects all their relationships.<\/p>\n

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder that affects about 1% of the population, and is diagnosed in twice as many men than women.<\/p>\n

Symptoms vary on a case by case basis, but the disorder is at heart an obsession with order and control over ones thoughts, environment, and relationships. This can manifest as rigidity in thinking and actions, extreme perfectionism, anxiety and\/or anger when things don’t go according to plan, and excessive attention to detail, amongst other symptoms.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It’s also known as “anankastic personality disorder”.<\/p>\n

Isn’t Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Also Called OCD?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"obsessive<\/a>

By: Faramarz Hashemi<\/p><\/div>\n

No.<\/span><\/span><\/strong> OCPD is NOT the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder<\/strong> (OCD). <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

They are distinct from each other despite some similarities. Both conditions leave an individual needing to feel organised and in control. Both can involve an obsession with personal rituals and routines, rigid behaviour, and hoarding.<\/span><\/p>\n

The crucial difference is one of perspective – how people who suffer from these conditions view themselves. <\/strong>A person with OCD<\/span> <\/a>is aware that their behaviours are not normal and don’t enjoy or want to have their obsessive patterns. They are fully cognisant that their behaviour is a result of their anxiety<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

A person with OCPD, however, don’t think there is anything wrong with them necessarily. They think they are the rational ones, and actually want to behave the way they do.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This makes obsessive-compulsive personality disorder a personality disorder, whereas OCD is an anxiety disorder. It’s also thought obsessive compulsive disorder <\/a><\/span>has more of a biological aspect than OCPD.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of OCPD<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM), a book written by and for mental health professionals, gives the following outline of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder:<\/p>\n

A pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:<\/p>\n

1. is preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organisation, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost<\/p>\n

2. shows perfectionism<\/span><\/a> that interferes with task completion (e.g., is unable to complete a project because his or her own overly strict standards are not met)<\/p>\n

3. is excessively devoted to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships (not accounted for by obvious economic necessity)<\/p>\n

4. is overconscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values (not accounted for by cultural or religious identification)<\/p>\n

5. is unable to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value<\/p>\n

6. is reluctant to delegate tasks or to work with others unless they submit to exactly his or her way of doing things<\/p>\n

7. adopts a miserly spending style toward both self and others; money is viewed as something to be hoarded for future catastrophes<\/p>\n

8. shows rigidity and stubbornness<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Obsessions\"<\/a>

By: King Huang<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Other symptoms of OCPD are thought to include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n