Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) vs Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
OCD vs OCPD
Although the names, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Personality Disorder (OCPD), sound very similar and there can be some similarities, they are actually quite different. Understanding these differences can be helpful if you’re seeking to better understand yourself (or a loved one).
Similarities between OCD and OCPD
There are more similarities between OCD and OCD, beyond having the words “obsessive” and “compulsive” in their titles). Here are some of them:
☼ Tendency to perseverate: continuing to focus on a thought or to take an action despite it no longer being helpful
☼ Both are often associated with some degree of anxiety
☼ Both can eventually lead to depression
☼ People who experience OCPD are more likely to also experience OCD than people who do not have OCPD
Differences between OCD and OCPD
What is OCPD?
Unlike OCD, OCPD falls under the category of what the DSM-5 refers to as a “personality disorder.” Personality disorders are considered a stable pattern of behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. They usually begin during adolescence or early adulthood. They usually create distress or have some negative impact on the person experiencing them. However, many people who experience OCPD describe its symptoms as not initially bothering them. Therefore, people who experience OCPD frequently wait to begin therapy until its symptoms start to bother someone in their life or get in the way of achieving their goals at work.
While a pattern of over-emphasis on perfectionism, orderliness, and having control characterizes OCPD, this pattern does not necessarily equate to OCPD. When this pattern leads to taking longer than necessary to accomplish tasks and prevents you from being as adaptable or flexible as you could be, then OCPD might be present.
Some common examples of how this pattern could be play out if you’re experiencing OCPD:
☼ Excessive list-making
☼ Over-emphasis on order, organization, or adhering to a schedule gets in the way of the real purpose of an activity (e.g. sticking to a stressful vacation trip itinerary even when it’s no longer enjoyable)
☼ Prefer a high degree of routine
☼ Focusing on adhering to rules without considering the “spirit of the law”
☼ Striving for a high achievement level
☼ Perfectionistic standards getting in the way of accomplishing goals or starting or finishing a task
☼ “Workaholism;” extreme focus on work to the detriment of other areas of your life, such as friends, family, or pleasure when not necessary
☼ Difficulty getting rid of old objects that no longer work or worthless items (that have no sentimental value)
☼ Hesitancy to delegate tasks to other people (unless your precise way of performing that task is strictly followed)
☼ High expectations for yourself and/or others
☼ Difficulty trusting people
☼ Storing up money in case of a potential, future disaster (beyond merely having a 3-6 month emergency fund, or saving for retirement)
☼ Frugality with spending habits
☼ Rigidity around moral matters in ways that are inconsistent with or above and beyond your cultural or religious beliefs
☼ Tend to be “set in your ways” or others comment that you can be stubborn
☼ Some outbursts of anger
☼ You’d rather be alone
What is OCD?
There are two key aspects to OCD. First is a pattern of persistent, obsessive thoughts that bother you, creating anxiety, distress, or discomfort in your life. Second is a pattern of behavioral or mental efforts to reduce related anxiety, try to get at certainty or safety, or make sure that a fear does not happen. Research indicates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective therapy for OCD. To learn more about OCD and how to get help for OCD, check out our page on therapy for OCD.
Could I have both OCD and OCPD?
Yes, people who have OCD are more likely to also have OCPD. However, not everyone who has OCD has OCPD. According to the DSM-5, about 23% to 32% of people who experience OCD also experience OCPD. People who experience both OCD and OCPD tend to report more severe symptoms of OCD. For example, in a study by Gordon and colleagues (2013) people with OCPD reported more severe doubting, ordering, and hoarding than people who do not have OCPD. Therefore, ERP for OCD might take longer to complete if you also have OCPD (rather than only OCD). However, therapy can still be effective.
Looking for specialized therapy for OCD and OCPD?
If you’re experiencing OCD and OCPD, therapy might help you use your precious time more efficiently, if you’re feeling stuck in trying to overcome obsessive patterns, or if you want to improve your relationships. Working with a therapist who specializes in ERP for OCD and is familiar with OCPD can make a difference. At TherLively, we can help you identify areas where conscientiousness is working for you, as well as areas of your life where OCPD might be getting in the way of living more of the life you want. We focus therapy on helping you achieve your goals, so you can live a fuller life.
If you’re a Texas resident interested in online therapy, or live in Dallas-Fort Worth and prefer in-person therapy in Southlake with an OCD specialist, visit our contact page to reach out today.
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental health disorders (5th ed.).
Cain, N. M., Answell, E. B., Simpson, H. B., & Pinto, A. (2015). Interpersonal Functioning in Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. Journal of Personality Assessment, 97, 90-99.
Gordon, O. M., Salkovskis, P. M., Oldfield, V. B., & Carter, N. (2013). The association between obsessive–compulsive disorder and obsessive–compulsive personality disorder: Prevalence and clinical presentation. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 52, 300–315.
Mike, A., King, H., Oltmanns, T. F., & Jackson, J. J. (2018). Obsessive, compulsive, and conscientious? The relationship between OCPD and personality traits. Journal of Personality, 86, 952-972.
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