Understanding OCD & OCPD: What’s the Difference?

A Quick Guide

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a separate disorder from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive, intrusive, and repeated thoughts are symptoms of OCD, a mental health problem that causes you to feel compelled to repeat actions. Whereas,  OCPD is a personality disorder characterized by an obsessive fixation on order and perfection. The differences between OCD and OCPD will be discussed in this article. You will discover how OCD and OCPD are identified and treated, as well as their signs and symptoms.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: What Is It?

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is characterized by severe orderliness, control, and perfectionism. An individual with OCPD would often want to maintain control over even the tiniest aspects of their lives, often at the cost of their adaptability and openness to new situations.

Since OCPD is classified as a personality disorder, it involves personality features that are consistent, ingrained, unusual, and troublesome in some way. People with OCPD may have trouble relating to others and may struggle to function due to their obsession with perfection and strict control.

Narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder are some other personality disorders in this group. However, OCPD is not the same as narcissism. Persons with narcissistic personality disorder have an excessive sense of grandeur and think they should receive continual praise and attention, whereas people with OCPD focus on doing things correctly. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and OCPD are different disorders (OCD). It is not an OCD subtype either. OCD is classified as one of several mental illnesses under the heading “Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5-TR).

Symptoms of OCPD

An obsession with perfectionism and a need for control is the main OCPD symptoms. The following symptoms could appear in someone with OCPD:

• A want to be in charge of their interpersonal interactions
• Acting emotionally restrained or constrained
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships or having trouble empathizing with others
• Extraordinary commitment to their task
• Having trouble delegating work and giving up control
• Making lists and orders for tasks
• Need for precision down to the last detail
• Rigorous, inflexible adherence to the rules
• Self-identity and/or self-direction issues
• Unable to give to others

OCPD may initially resemble an anal personality type. The presence of these peculiarities does not equate to having a personality disorder, even though someone with an anal personality may exhibit some of these characteristics, such as perfectionism, orderliness, and a need to be in control of their surroundings.

Diagnosis of OCPD

There isn’t a precise test that can identify OCPD in a person. A clinician will inquire about your symptoms and how they are affecting your life in order to make a diagnosis. In order to rule out further conditions, they may also perform a physical examination and lab tests.

A person must have a recurring pattern of obsession with order, control, and perfectionism of oneself, circumstances, and others in order to be diagnosed with OCPD. They could also check for further OCPD indicators. These involve rigorous perfectionism and at least two other personality traits, namely:

• Avoiding intimacy
• Being “stuck” on a concept in your head
• Decreased manifestation of emotion

Your doctor may also examine any issues you have with closeness and empathy. People with OCPD frequently struggle to uphold interpersonal connections, including romantic ones. They may struggle to sympathize with others, and they have a reputation for being aloof or cold. Additionally, they have a hard time becoming intimate and expressing affection or emotion.

These symptoms must significantly impair a person’s capacity to function in crucial life domains like education, employment, family, and other relationships in order for an OCPD diagnosis to be made.

Additionally, OCD, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other personality disorders share similarities with OCPD. They could both co-occur with OCPD. Before diagnosing OCPD, a clinician must rule out these other illnesses. 

A doctor or therapist may need some time to assess whether you have OCPD. They might need to see you several times to go over your symptoms and observe them. Before making a diagnosis, a doctor or therapist may need to speak with close family members to acquire a better understanding of your typical behaviors and relationships.

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

OCD is characterized by a pattern of unpleasant thoughts and anxieties (obsessions) that cause you to engage in repetitive actions (compulsions). These compulsive thoughts and behaviors disrupt daily life and cause severe distress.

You might make an effort to suppress or dismiss your obsessions, but doing so simply makes you feel more upset and anxious. In the end, you get compelled to engage in obsessive behaviors in an effort to reduce your stress. Despite attempts to suppress or ignore unwanted thoughts or urges, they persist. This feeds the OCD cycle, which results in more ritualistic behavior.

OCD frequently revolves around particular themes, such as an obsessive fear of contracting germs. You may wash your hands excessively until they are painful and chapped in an effort to allay your anxieties about infection.

Symptoms of OCD

Obsessions and compulsions are frequently present in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s also possible to merely have obsessive symptoms or compulsive symptoms. Your obsessions and compulsions may or may not be severe or irrational, but they nonetheless consume a lot of time and prevent you from going about your everyday activities and functioning in social, academic, or professional settings.

Obsession symptoms

Obsessions with OCD are intrusive, recurrent, unwelcome thoughts, desires, or images that are distressing or anxious. You might try to avoid them or get rid of them by engaging in a ritual or compulsive habit. These obsessions usually interfere with your ability to think clearly or complete other tasks. Obsessions frequently have underlying themes, such as:

• Fear of dirt or contamination
• Ideas that are violent or horrifying about losing control and hurting oneself or others
• Requiring symmetry and order in everything
• Uncertainty is difficult for you to accept and you have doubts
• Unwanted ideas, such as those that are violent or involve sexual or religious matters

Compulsion symptoms

Compulsions are recurrent activities that you feel compelled to carry out if you have OCD. These recurrent actions, whether physical or mental, are intended to ease tension brought on by your obsessions or avert negative outcomes. However, engaging in the compulsions is unpleasant and may only provide a short-term reduction in anxiety.

When you are experiencing obsessive thoughts, you can create rules or rituals that you must adhere to in order to manage your anxiety. These obsessions are excessive and frequently have no connection to the issue they are meant to solve. Compulsions frequently have themes, similar to obsessions, such as:

• Cleaning and washing
• Checking 
• Counting
• Maintaining a rigorous schedule
• Orderliness
• Seeking reassurance

Diagnosis of OCD

In order to ascertain whether you have obsessions or compulsive behaviors that affect your quality of life, this involves talking about your thoughts, feelings, symptoms, and behavioral patterns. This may also involve speaking with your family or friends with your consent. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) issued by the American Psychiatric Association may be used by your doctor. A physical exam could be done to look for any associated consequences and to help rule out any other issues that could be the source of your symptoms.

The distinctions between OCD & OCPD

The fundamental distinction between these two diseases is that, in contrast to OCPD, which is a personality disorder that a person is born with, OCD can arise later in life as a result of specific circumstances or events.

Many of the symptoms shared by those with OCPD are present. But the fact that people with OCPD frequently lack self-awareness distinguishes these two disorders from one another. They are therefore more likely to act on urges without understanding them and injure themselves or those around them as a result.

Individuals with OCD make an effort to manage particular circumstances in order to break their fixations, which is another distinction between them and OCPD patients. On the other side, individuals with OCPD typically prefer to exert overall control over the situation.

Additionally, there are emotional distinctions between people with OCPD and OCD. For instance, people with OCD are more likely to experience anxiety, especially when circumstances don’t go as planned. Instead, anger and rage are more likely to be experienced by those with OCPD.

People with OCD frequently feel insecure about their obsessions and compulsions, whereas people with OCPD work hard to keep their insecurities hidden from both others and themselves. This is another significant distinction between the two conditions. Finally, people with OCPD prefer to plan and work, whereas those with OCD indulge in compulsive behaviors and rituals.

Causes of OCD & OCPD

Although the exact causes of OCD and OCPD are unknown, there are a number of things that can increase a person’s chance of developing either disorder.

OCD Risk Factors

OCD may be connected to impaired connections between areas of the brain. According to various research, serotonin and other neurotransmitter issues may be a significant factor in OCD.

OCD has a hereditary component, according to studies. OCD is more prevalent in families when there is a history of the disorder. Stress and the environment such as traumatic events, infections, brain injuries, and stressful situations might increase a person’s risk of developing OCD. Stress both causes and aggravates OCD symptoms.

Infections can also prove to be a risk factor for OCD. PANDAS, which stands for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections, is an immunological response to strep throat-causing bacteria. Typically, it occurs when a child is young. A child’s development of OCD may be influenced by inflammation in the brain brought on by strep infection.

OCPD Risk Factors

It appears that OCPD has a hereditary component. According to studies, those who have a family history of OCPD are more prone to developing the disorder themselves. According to one study, if there are breaks in attachment ties, OCPD may start in childhood. For instance, it may have an impact on later relationships if a child is unable to establish a connection with a primary carer. If a child tries to cope without good bonding, a personality disorder like OCPD may result.

Is it possible to have both OCD & OCPD?

Yes, it is possible to have both diseases. 15% to 28% of individuals with OCD also have OCPD.

Treatment Approaches for OCD & OCPD

People with OCD frequently recognize the need for therapy, however, those with OCPD do not.

A person with OCPD might suggest that their loved ones get help instead of them. Treatment for an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may be more difficult than treatment for other disorders since a person with this disorder lacks insight and self-awareness. Talk therapy is the most effective treatment for OCPD. Short-term objectives like these could be the focus of psychotherapy.

• Developing effective coping mechanisms
• Establishing new connections and improving existing ones
• Learning how to converse clearly and politely
• Learning methods of relaxation and reducing stress

If a person reacts favorably to these approaches, the focus of the therapy sessions might change to a long-term treatment strategy that aims to lessen the person’s desire for control and feelings of perfectionism. However, this type of therapy can be difficult and time-consuming.

Usually, OCD treatment takes a different path. Exposure and Response Prevention is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that tries to expose a person to their obsessions while stopping their compulsions. The therapist may advise someone who obsessively washes their hands to touch anything dirty without instantly cleaning it. Their uneasiness may initially increase, but it will subside over time, removing the need for the compulsion.

Exposure and Response Prevention is successful because it reduces obsessions by ending compulsions. A psychiatrist could also recommend medication to aid with OCD symptoms. The most effective OCD treatments seem to involve both medication and therapy. On the other hand, those with OCPD consume drugs less frequently. If a clinician does recommend them, it might only be for a brief period of time to deal with potential anxiety or mood problems.

Preventing OCD & OCPD

OCD and OCPD cannot always be prevented because biological factors including heredity are known to contribute to these disorders. The impact of a person’s surroundings on their likelihood of developing OCD or OCPD, however, may be reduced by specific interventions. Additionally, early intervention can lessen the severity of the disease. Any mental health illness can be helped by increasing access to good treatments and educating the public.

Managing OCD & OCPD

A person with OCD or OCPD may find it much harder to relate to others as a result of their condition. Extreme perfectionism and difficulty to delegate responsibilities can lead to a significant deal of stress. Other factors that might harm interpersonal relationships include rigidity, high expectations, and trouble empathizing with others. As a result, those who have the condition could feel alone and misunderstand.

You have the option of learning coping mechanisms for OCD or OCPD in addition to getting treatment. These might consist of the following:

• How to control your stress: It’s beneficial to keep your overall stress levels low. Create a stress-reduction strategy if you want to be prepared to handle anything that comes your way.
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you recognize when perfectionism is generating anxiety so that you can take action to reduce it. Mindfulness and meditation work well together as stress relievers.
• Self-care: If you have OCPD, it might be a habit to put your needs last when concentrating on a project. Consider incorporating self-care into your daily routine.
• Self-education: Gaining knowledge about your health can be a liberating experience. In order to change your behavior, you may find it useful to recognize when an OCPD symptom is at fault.

Outlook

It’s crucial to get treatment from a licensed mental health professional if you exhibit symptoms of OCD or OCPD and need assistance. You might not be instantly aware of the negative effects of your actions and how they are influencing many aspects of your life. A mental health expert can help you manage the symptoms of the disorder and establish whether you have OCPD or OCD.

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about OCD & OCPD along with how they are different.