Complete Guide to Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

Last Update on August 22, 2020 : Published on February 25, 2020
Complete-Guide-to-obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder (1)
  • Are you also one of those perfectionists who like everything to be in order?
  • Do you also find it hard to express your feelings?
  • Are you one of those who have an overwhelming need of punctuality?
  • Do you also pay extreme attention to detail?

Calm down! People also refer to me as “Perfectionist”. Trust me, it’s not a flaw, it’s just a way of our thinking procedure. We often believe that our way of thinking and doing things is correct and others are wrong. But do you know, everyone has a different way of doing things and thinks differently. That doesn’t make them wrong!

Complete Guide to Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

The exact cause of OCPD is still unknown. But, it can be said that people experiencing OCPD have a combination of genetics and childhood experiences. Personally speaking when people started me referring to myself as a “Perfectionist”. I felt anxious and socially isolated myself from the people. Talking about results, after some time I found that I was alone, frustrated and depressed.

But, my family supported me through this phase and now I can proudly say that I am a perfectionist. I still like things in order. I still pay attention to detail. But, my way of looking at things is quite different now, I express my feelings easily. I don’t isolate myself and I don’t feel anxious when someone is late.

cause of OCPD

Do you also want to know What I did to overcome such situations? Before starting, it is important to read What is OCPD? What are the symptoms of OCPD? What natural treatment options are available to overcome such situations? So, Let us begin.

What is Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)?

OCPD is “personality disorder” with the preoccupation of perfectionism, interpersonal control, at the expense of openness, flexibility, and efficiency.

When established procedures and rules do not dictate the right answer, the decision making process takes more time and often leads to destructive behavior. They are prone to become angry or upset when things don’t go according to them.

What is Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

People who are experiencing such situations are especially attentive in dominance-submissive relationships. They usually express affection in a highly stilted fashion or controlled and uncomfortable with people who are emotionally expressive. They are always preoccupied with intellect and logic.

OCPD is an enduring pattern of behavior and inner experience which deviates from the norms of culture. The pattern is pervasive and inflexible across a broad range of social and personal situations which leads to distress and social isolation.

What are the symptoms of OCPD?

Below mentioned are the symptoms of OCPD:

  • Perfectionism which impairs the capability to complete tasks
  • Formal, stiff, and rigid mannerisms
  • Overwhelming requirement of punctuality
  • Extremely frugal in terms of money
  • Extreme attention to details
  • Excessively devoted towards work

What are the symptoms of OCPD

  • Hoarding useless and worn items
  • Fear of sharing tasks because of perfection
  • Strict adherence towards ethical and moral codes
  • Need of order for doing activities or work
  • Righteousness
  • Strict adherence towards rules and regulations

How is OCPD treated

How is OCPD treated?

There are two natural ways to treat OCPD, but, before starting we suggest you consult with your mental-health provider first.

1.   Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of counselling which is common among countries. In CBT, the counselor schedules regular sessions. Counselor talks about stress, anxiety and depression and encourages people to put less focus on work and put more focus on family, recreation and other interpersonal relationships.

Through CBT, you may learn to:

  • Identify problems
  • Develop an awareness of problems
  • Distinguish between irrational thoughts and facts
  • Stop fearing
  • See situations from different perspectives
  • Establish attainable goals

Learning tools used in CBT:

  • Group discussions
  • Frequent feedbacks
  • Ways to calm body and mind

Learning tools used in CBT

2.   Relaxation training

Relaxation training comprises specific relaxation and breathing techniques which helps to reduce your sense of urgency and stress.

Examples of Relaxation training:

relaxation training

  • Biofeedback
  • Aromatherapy
  • Music and art therapy
  • Hydrotherapy

How to support your loved one with OCPD?

My parents were the real support during my phase. If you suspect your loved one experiencing such situations, try to pay attention to their compulsive behaviors and obsessions. Encourage your loved one to go under therapies . It might get difficult to approach but try to encourage them constantly.

Keep patience and try to talk. To support them with OCPD, you can also join therapies together which will make the bond strong.

How to support your loved one with OCPD

“Rising sun comes with rays of hope. So, never ever give up.”

Hope you like this article and information helps. If you have any questions or experiences to share regarding the article, please write to us from the comment section.

Keep smiling! 🙂

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About The Author

Aayushi Kapoor
Aayushi Kapoor

Aayushi is a Content Creator at Calm Sage. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology and a Master's Degree in Clinical Nutrition. Her constant interest in the improvement of mental health, nutrition, and overall wellness embarked upon her career as a “full-time educational writer.” She likes to make an asynchronous connection with her readers. Her mantra for living life is "What you seek is seeking you".

One COMMENT

  1. Carol
    Carol

    I don’t feel as much hopeless than I did! I no I’m not alone, I do except I have a illness but I isolate an don’t let anyone in I put barriers up and sit alone in my head becoming antisocial, so I need to get out my head! Out my comfort zone and out my house we’re ive become a prisoner in my own home. Thank you ?

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