Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a condition that affects approximately 2-8% of the general population. It is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is a different condition.

OCPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of being excessively preoccupied with orderliness, control, and perfection. People with OCPD may have difficulty delegating tasks, making decisions, and prioritizing. They may also find it challenging to express emotions and engage in time-consuming and rigid activities.

If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, our team at Insight Into Action Therapy can help. Contact us today at 703.935.8544 to learn more about our anxiety treatment and schedule an appointment with one of our mental health professionals. Together, we can help you live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

People with OCPD are often criticized for being too perfectionistic, rigid, and controlling. Their behavior and personality can lead to problems with relationships, work, and other areas of life. Some of the symptoms of OCPD include:

Preoccupation with rules, procedures, and details, which can lead to excessive time spent on tasks
Extreme devotion to work, to the point where other areas of life, like family and friends, suffer
Inflexibility and difficulty delegating tasks
Perfectionism, which leads to an inability to complete tasks because they are never good enough
A lack of generosity and difficulty making decisions

They may also experience difficulty with emotional expression and intimacy.

Signs of an Obsessive Personality

While OCPD is not the same as OCD, some of the same symptoms and characteristics are present in both conditions. Signs of an obsessive personality may include:

Struggles with decision-making
Excessive focus on details
Inordinate preoccupation with orderliness and cleanliness
Struggles with expressing emotions
Trouble delegating tasks

Those with OCD may also exhibit rigid thinking patterns and be perfectionistic to the point of harming themselves.

Types of OCD

There are several types of OCD, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some of the most common types of OCD include:

Contamination OCD – This type of OCD is characterized by a fear of germs, dirt, and contamination. People with this type of OCD may overly wash their hands, avoid touching particular objects, and use gloves or other protective gear when handling objects.
Checking OCD – People with checking OCD may repeatedly check things like locks, stove burners, or light switches to make sure they are turned off. They may also excessively check emails or messages to ensure they haven’t missed anything.
Symmetry/Ordering OCD – Those with this type of OCD may be excessively concerned with arranging things in a particular way or achieving perfect symmetry. They may engage in excessive organizing of their belongings.

People with intrusive thoughts OCD may experience intrusive and upsetting thoughts, such as harming others or themselves. They may perform rituals and compulsive behaviors to deal with these thoughts.

Anxiety Treatment and Help

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and OCD can be challenging to live with, but treatment options are available. At Insight Into Action Therapy, we offer various services, from medication-assisted treatment to therapy.

Our clinicians are equipped to treat a range of mental health conditions, including OCPD and OCD. We use evidence-based treatments like CBT and exposure therapy to help clients manage their symptoms and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Contact Insight Into Action Therapy Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCPD, OCD, or another mental health condition, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you on your journey to wellness.