Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Read on to learn about how OCPD presents, what causes it, and how it’s treated.
Symptoms of OCPD
A person with OCPD may display these traits in the following ways.
They can be preoccupied with rules, details, and lists. They can be rigid and inflexible in their views, and unable to change, often to the detriment of their relationships or personal development. Their thinking patterns may be all-or-nothing, viewing things as either up to their standards or worthy of dismissal, with nothing in-between.
They can have difficulty showing affection and generosity. They may hang onto objects instead of throwing them away, even if they don’t hold value.
A 2014 study found that participants with OCPD reported less empathic perspective-taking than participants without OCPD (this may mean it is harder for people with OCPD to see things from another person’s perspective and recognize others' thoughts and feelings).
Is OCPD The Same as OCD?While their names sound similar and they are often confused, OCPD andobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)are different conditions. They can occur together, and share some similarities, but there are key distinctions. These include:OCPD is a personality disorder. OCD is an anxiety disorder.People with OCPD often don’t realize there is anything wrong or think they need help. People with OCD typically realize their thinking and behavior is disordered and want treatment.People with OCPD are preoccupied with rules and order more than consequences. The obsessions and compulsions of OCD are tied to feared consequences.
Is OCPD The Same as OCD?
While their names sound similar and they are often confused, OCPD andobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)are different conditions. They can occur together, and share some similarities, but there are key distinctions. These include:OCPD is a personality disorder. OCD is an anxiety disorder.People with OCPD often don’t realize there is anything wrong or think they need help. People with OCD typically realize their thinking and behavior is disordered and want treatment.People with OCPD are preoccupied with rules and order more than consequences. The obsessions and compulsions of OCD are tied to feared consequences.
While their names sound similar and they are often confused, OCPD andobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)are different conditions. They can occur together, and share some similarities, but there are key distinctions. These include:
Causes of OCPD
How Is OCPD Diagnosed?
One of the obstacles to getting an OCPD diagnosis is that people with OCPD don’t always recognize that their behaviors and thought processes are problematic. People with OCPD are oftenhigh achievingand can appear to function well, especially in a clinical setting. This can make it difficult for the person with OCPD to seek help and for the healthcare provider or mental health professional to make an accurate assessment.
Family members, partners, and other people within the lives of the person with OCPD can help with this. They are able to see the patterns from the outside and relay to the care provider both the symptoms and the dysfunction they cause.
A diagnosis of OCPD is made based on a psychological examination. The severity of the person’s symptoms and how long they have persisted are also considered.A healthcare provider will take a personal and family medical history and may also do a physical exam and/or run other tests to rule out possible physical causes for the symptoms.
It is possible to have some OCPD traits without having the fully diagnosed personality disorder.
Who Gets OCPD?OCPDis under-researched, and studies conflict on some aspects of the condition. Some studies indicate that OCPD is more common in males than females, but larger studies haven’t found a difference in prevalence based on gender.
Who Gets OCPD?
OCPDis under-researched, and studies conflict on some aspects of the condition. Some studies indicate that OCPD is more common in males than females, but larger studies haven’t found a difference in prevalence based on gender.
Treatment for OCPD
Treatment for OCPD usually involves psychotherapy (talk therapy). Medication may be used, too, but typically as a complementary treatment to psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)is the most common form of psychotherapy used to treat OCPD. CBT first involves helping the person identify, recognize, and label problematic or dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors. Gradually and with help, the person changes these thoughts and behaviors into ones that are healthy and productive.
Psychodynamic therapymay be an option for some people with OCPD. This approach helps a person gain greater insight into their emotional and mental processes. This deeper understanding can help them make better choices and improve their relationships with others.
Medicationsuch asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) may be prescribed if the healthcare provider or mental health professional feels it would be useful in managing symptoms, or if there are othercomorbid conditions(such as OCD) to address.
What Is the Prognosis for OCPD?
People with OCPD often fare better than those with some otherpersonality disorders. Complications such as substance abuse (which are common in other personality disorders) are less common with OCPD. This may be because the rigidness and control of OCPD prevent these complications.
Some complications that can occur if OCPD is left untreated include:
Treatment can help people with OCPD recognize how their symptoms affect others, which may improve their relationships.The success of treatment depends on how committed the person is to getting help.
Coping With OCPD
OCPD is best treated through mental health professionals, but there are some ways a person with OCPD can help themselves beyond seeking professional treatment:
Summary
A Word From Verywell
The biggest step to improving life with OCPD is recognizing that you need help. If you or those in your inner circle notice signs of OCPD in you, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to explore the possibility further.
It can be hard for people with OCPD to evaluate their own symptoms. So it may be helpful for you to bring a loved one or someone else you trust to your appointment.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Morreale M, Holingue C, Samuels J, Nestadt G.Long-term physical health outcomes of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder traits.Journal of Clinical Psychology. 2021;77(11):2626-2637. doi:10.1002/jclp.23207.
Diedrich A, Voderholzer U.Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder: a current review.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(2):2. doi:10.1007/s11920-014-0547-8.
MedlinePlus.Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.
Rowland TA, Jainer AK, Panchal R.Living with obsessional personality.BJPsych Bulletin. 2017;41(6):366-367. doi:10.1192/pb.41.6.366a.
Cain NM, Ansell EB, Simpson HB, Pinto A.Interpersonal functioning in obsessive–compulsive personality disorder.Journal of Personality Assessment. 2015;97(1):90-99. doi:10.1080/00223891.2014.934376
OCD-UK.Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).
PsychDB.Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).
International OCD Foundation.Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).
PsychDB.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors.Self-help strategies for OCD and OCPD.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
