From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For other uses of the acronym "OCPD", see
OCPD (disambiguation).
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), or
anankastic personality disorder, is a
personality disorder that is characterized by a general psychological
inflexibility, rigid conformity to rules and procedures, perfectionism,
and excessive orderliness.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is often confused with
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While the names sound similar,
these are actually two quite different disorders. Those who are suffering
from OCPD do not generally feel the need to repeatedly perform ritualistic
actions (such as excessive hand-washing), while this is a common symptom
of OCD. Instead, people with OCPD tend to stress perfectionism above all
else, and feel anxious when they perceive that things aren't "right".
People with OCPD may hoard money, keep their home perfectly organized,
or be anxious about delegating tasks for fear that they won't be completed
correctly. There are few
moral
grey areas for a person with OCPD; actions and beliefs are either
completely right, or absolutely wrong. As might be expected,
interpersonal relationships are difficult because of the excessive
demands placed on friends, romantic partners, and children.
Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR)
The
DSM-IV-TR, a widely used manual for diagnosing
mental disorders (see also:
DSM cautionary statement), defines Obsessive-compulsive personality
disorder as a "pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness,
perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of
flexibility, openness, and efficiency, beginning by early adulthood and
present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the
following:
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Preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, bodily
functions, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the
activity is lost
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Showing
perfectionism that interferes with task completion (e.g., is
unable to complete a project because his or her own overly strict
standards are not met)
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Excessive devotion to work and productivity to the exclusion of
leisure activities and friendships (not accounted for by obvious
economic necessity)
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Being overconscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of
morality, ethics, or values (not accounted for by cultural or
religious identification)
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Inability to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have
no sentimental value
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Reluctancy to delegate tasks or to work with others unless they submit
to exactly his or her way of doing things
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Adopting a miserly spending style toward both self and others; money
is viewed as something to be hoarded for future catastrophes
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Showing rigidity and stubbornness
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It is important to note that while a person may exhibit any or all of
the characteristics of a personality disorder, it is not diagnosed as a
disorder unless the person has trouble leading a normal life due to these
issues.
Treatment
Treatment for OCPD normally involves a combination of both
psychotherapy and drug medications.
It takes a significant amount of time to control the symptoms of OCPD
when first starting to take the prescribed medication. For this reason, it
is important to continue the prescribed treatment.
Psychotherapy
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Behavior therapy — Talking with a
psychotherapist about ways to change compulsions into healthier,
productive actions.
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Psychotherapy — Talking with a trained counselor or
psychotherapist who understands the condition.
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Medication
All drugs can be grouped together by how they work (i.e., their
specific mode of action). Approved drugs include:
Other treatments
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Electroconvulsive Therapy — Involves the administration of
brief electrical impulses to the head while under general
anesthesia, which may help to reduce obsessive and compulsive
behavior (for the severely ill).
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Neurosurgery — In special cases, surgery on the specific part
of the brain that is involved with OCPD may help to alleviate the
obsessions and compulsions (for severe, intractable OCPD).
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Self help
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Educating family and friends about the condition will help them to
manage behavioral problems more sympathetically, and to watch out for
the warning signs.
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Support groups may also be helpful in accepting and changing
Obsessive-Compulsive behaviors.
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Relaxation, meditation, physical exercise, regular sleep, and a
balanced diet are all important factors in maintaining this focus.
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Consult your healthcare provider if you are having difficulty sleeping
and/or you are experiencing problems that prevent you taking regular
exercise.
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Keeping a diary may help the individual to identify those stressful
situations that help to trigger compulsive reactions, enabling them to
focus on more constructive activities
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See also
External link