Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder: Understanding It

Obsessive compulsive personality disorder involves preoccupation with perfectionism, orderliness, and control at the mental and interpersonal level. Openness, efficiency, and flexibility are often compromised.

Arriving at decisions becomes a painful and time-consuming task when rules and procedures do not give the right answer. People afflicted with obsessive compulsive personality disorder may find it hard to decide which tasks to prioritize. They may sometimes spend too much time before undertaking a task, with the result being that the task is never performed.

Individuals with obsessive compulsive personality disorder tend to get angry and upset immediately. They may not be able to achieve control over their interpersonal and physical environment. They avoid expressing their anger directly. For instance, an individual may be angry at a restaurant’s service. Instead of talking to the management, he or she may spend time thinking what to leave as a tip. In other scenarios, anger may be vented out over trivial issues.

Individuals with obsessive compulsive personality disorder may pay special attention to their status in relationships of dominance—submission. They could display too much respect toward authorities they adore. They may also display resistance toward authorities they despise.

Persons with this disorder may show affection in a stilted manner. They may also show discomfort in the presence of emotionally-expressive individuals. Their day-to-day relationships have a serious and formal tone. They may be particularly rigid in circumstances demanding happiness and smiles. Meeting a lover could be one such instance. They may not utter anything until they are certain of perfection in what they say. Logic and intellect preoccupy their minds.

Obsessive compulsive personality disorder manifests itself in early adulthood. The following are some of the symptoms seen in such individuals:

• A tendency to be preoccupied with rules, order, details, and schedules. The crucial part of the activity may be lost.
• Displays a quest for perfection, which comes in the way of completion of tasks. Individuals may be not able to finish a task because of the high standards that are set.
• Is devoted to work in an abnormal way. Excessive emphasis is laid on productivity. Leisure activities are excluded. Friendships take a back seat.
• The individual may have too many scruples. They may also be too conscientious. They are usually rigid when it comes to morality, ethics, and values.
• May show a tendency to preserve objects that have no worth. These objects may have a low sentimental value.
• Hesitates to assign tasks to colleagues, unless proper standards are met.
• These individuals tend to be thrifty when it comes to spending money. They view money as something that needs to be stored for future disasters.
• Displays profound stubbornness and rigidity.