(Anankastic Personality Disorder)
Definition
Definition
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder characterized by excessive perfectionism and a need for control over one’s environment. People with OCPD tend to be reliable and orderly, but also inflexible and unable to surrender control.
Causes
Causes
It is not clear what causes personality disorders, but it is likely a combination of inherited factors and a person’s environment.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
OCPD is more common in men, especially in early adulthood. Other factors that may increase your chance of OCPD include:
- Family history of OCPD or OCD
- Background of harsh discipline
- Being the oldest child
Symptoms
Symptoms
OCPD may cause:
- Perfectionism interfering with task completion
- Rigidity
- Being frugal with money
- Overattention to detail
- Excessive devotion to work
- Inability to discard worn or useless items
- Extreme morality
- Inability to delegate tasks or share
- Stiff, formal, and/or rigid mannerisms
- Extreme preciseness and/or punctuality
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will likely be referred to a psychiatrist or therapist, who will ask you about your symptoms and mental and medical health history. A diagnosis will be made after a complete psychiatric assessment.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Counseling
Counseling that includes psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with OCPD learn to have fun, avoid over-intellectualizing, and address control issues.
Medications
In some cases, anti-depressant medications can help reduce obsessive-compulsive personality traits. However, long-term use of medications for OCPD has not been helpful. Anti-depressants may also be used to treat an associated condition, like depression.
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent OCPD. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce how much the personality traits interfere with your life.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated May 23, 2014. Accessed August 21, 2014.
Obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). International OCD Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.ocfoundation.org/uploadedfiles/maincontent/find_help/ocpd%20fact%20sheet.pdf
Accessed August 21, 2014.
Last Updated: 9/30/2013