What is obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)?
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a mental health condition that causes an extensive preoccupation with perfectionism, organization and control. These behaviors and thought patterns interfere with completing tasks and maintaining relationships.
People with OCPD have rigid beliefs and specific ways of doing different tasks. They don’t allow for any flexibility and are unable to compromise with others. People with OCPD often don’t realize their behavior and way of thinking are problematic.
OCPD is one of a group of conditions called “Cluster C” personality disorders, which involve anxiety and fear.
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What is the difference between OCD and OCPD?
Even though they sound similar, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are different conditions.
OCD is an anxiety disorder in which you have frequent unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause you to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Examples of compulsions include flipping a light switch a certain number of times or repeatedly washing your hands.
People with OCD usually are aware that the condition is causing their behavior and accept that they need professional help to treat it. People with OCPD usually have little, if any, self-awareness of their behaviors.
Who does obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) affect?
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder usually begins in your late teens or early 20s. It’s more common in adults whose highest education level is high school graduation or less.
OCPD is also more likely to affect people with the following mental health conditions:
- Anxiety disorders (24%), such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
- Mood disorders (24%), such as bipolar disorder.
- Mild to moderate substance use disorders (12% to 25%).
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How common is OCPD?
Studies suggest that OCPD is the most common personality disorder in the general population in the United States. It affects 3% to 8% of adults.
