What is obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)?

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a mental health condition that’s believed to affect about 8% of the U.S. population. Like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), OCPD can involve an intense desire for order and a belief that things should be done a specific way. However, there are some important differences between OCD and OCPD. 

People with OCPD tend to adhere rigidly to rules, and they may struggle to give responsibilities to others because they don’t trust them to do things the “right” way. Unlike most people with OCD, people with OCPD may seek to control others. They also typically lack awareness of their symptoms. Without support, their inflexibility can negatively impact many aspects of their health and well-being.

Signs you may have obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

If you’re concerned that you or someone you love might have OCPD, it’s best to seek a professional evaluation. However, learning about OCPD symptoms might help you better understand your experience. 

Some common OCPD symptoms include:

• Preoccupation with rules and details: You may obsessively focus a lot on following rules and remembering small details. This can make it hard to see the bigger picture. For example, when planning your day, you might spend excessive hours organizing your schedule. This could mean missing out on fun or spontaneous moments.
• Rigidity and stubbornness: You might find it hard to compromise or be flexible. This can lead to constant arguments with others. When someone suggests doing things differently, you may refuse to listen. You might get frustrated because you believe your way is the only right way.
• Constantly prioritizing work over pleasure or important relationships: You might put work above everything else, including personal time and relationships. For example, you may skip family gatherings or social events because you feel the need to finish work first. This can deeply disappoint the people you care about.
• Hoarding behaviors: You may have extreme trouble throwing things away, even if they don’t have real value. This could happen because you fear losing control or need to keep things in order. For example, you might hold on to boxes of old papers or unused belongings, thinking you might need them someday.
• Extreme frugality (without actual need): You might be very careful with your money, even when it’s not necessary. For example, you may refuse to spend money on things like coffee or treats, believing it’s wasteful, even in situations when it wouldn’t affect your finances.
• Fixation with order and minor details: You may feel the overwhelming need to keep everything in perfect order, even if it’s not important. This can affect your efficiency. For example, you could spend excessive hours organizing your desk, even when you know it won’t help you get more work done.
• Difficulty finishing tasks due to perfectionist tendencies: You might find it extremely hard to finish tasks because you want them to be perfect. For example, you may get stuck on a project because you aren’t satisfied with how it looks, even when it’s already good enough to call it complete.

How is OCPD different from OCD?

OCPD is frequently compared to OCD because it can involve similar symptoms. For example, both conditions can lead to perfectionism, rigid adherence to rules and routines, and an overemphasis on personal responsibility. So, on the surface, it can be difficult to tell whether someone is living with OCD or OCPD. However, there are some important differences to be aware of. 

Most people with OCD see their symptoms as challenging and distressing, so they may be more open to seeking help. In contrast, people with OCPD don’t usually see an issue with their thoughts or behaviors, even if they negatively impact others. They often believe that their obsessions are valid, and they might even be proud of them. So people with OCPD may not believe they need treatment.

Differentiating between similar mental health challenges is a complex process. So if you’re feeling confused about whether you might have OCD, OCPD, or another mental health concern, know that you’re not alone. And you don’t need to know your exact diagnosis to ask for help. A therapist can listen to your concerns, provide a thorough evaluation, and help ensure that you get the right care for your needs.

What causes obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?

We don’t know exactly what causes OCPD. But researchers have identified a few factors that may increase your risk, including:

• Genetic: Having a close relative, like a parent or sibling, with OCPD
• Biological: Living with a medical condition that affects the brain (like head trauma, brain tumors, or epilepsy) 
• Psychological: Experiencing difficulties related to empathy and rule comprehension (perhaps due to early life experiences or other developmental issues)
• Environmental: Growing up with overly controlling or authoritative parents

Are there known consequences of living with OCPD?

Left untreated, OCPD can negatively affect your life in many ways. Living with rigidity, perfectionism, and an intense desire for control can make it more difficult to be effective, flexible, and open in all important aspects of your life, such as relationships, work, and personal well-being.  

People with OCPD often strive for total perfection and have trouble delegating tasks. This can lead to chronic overworking and leave little time for self-care or nurturing relationships. OCPD can also make it difficult to express emotions, like affection. 

So people with this condition may appear stiff or cold, and they may be quick to judge others’ morality, ethics, or values. Left untreated, these symptoms can create problems at home, work, school, and in relationships.

Self-help tips for dealing with OCPD

People with OCPD typically require professional care to manage their mental health. But in addition to speaking with a therapist, there are some self-help strategies you can use to improve your well-being.

• Take a breather. Sometimes, OCPD is accompanied by a sense of urgency and stress. If that’s the case for you, doing a breathing exercise can help calm your mind and body. 
• Challenge your thoughts. If you’re experiencing a rigid thought, like, “There’s something wrong with people who don’t put their groceries on the conveyor belt in the proper order,” ask yourself if that’s really true or necessary. Gently challenging these rigid thoughts can help you become more flexible in how you view others and manage your need for control.
• Write it down. Journaling about your obsessive or controlling thoughts might help you find relief. You can even give yourself a set amount of time each day to write about them and then move on to other things.
• Take care of your body. Caring for your body by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet can help you manage symptoms of OCPD.

How is obsessive-compulsive personality disorder treated?

While there’s no cure for OCPD, research shows that it’s possible for symptoms to improve over time with the right support. This may include a combination of:

• Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy can help reveal insights about how a person’s OCPD symptoms may serve to protect them from uncomfortable emotions, like uncertainty and insecurity. With this insight, people can work to overcome inflexibility, rigidity, and perfectionism.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is another approach that can help people identify and challenge unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. It can also help people with OCPD overcome rigidity, improve emotional expression, and reduce catastrophic thinking (like overestimating the negative consequences of a mistake).
• Medication: While there are no approved medications to treat OCPD specifically, there are medications that can help with co-occurring conditions, like anxiety or depression. You can talk to your provider about whether this is the right option for you.

Find care with Rula

OCPD is a mental health condition characterized by a rigid obsession with perfection and control. It can also cause people to judge others who don’t do things the “right” way. OCPD can make it difficult for people to relax, accept others, and prioritize self-care. But fortunately, it can be managed with the right support. 

If you’re concerned about your mental health, you’re not alone. And with Rula, help is just a few clicks away. Whether you’re facing symptoms of OCPD or another mental health concern, you can use our therapist-matching program to find an in-network provider who offers the specialty care you deserve. And thanks to our vast network of over 10,000 providers, you won’t wait weeks or months for an appointment. You can schedule your first live-video session with a provider of your choice for as soon as tomorrow.

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