Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Not the same as OCD — when perfectionism and control dominate your life.
What Is OCPD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is different from OCD. It involves a rigid preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility and enjoyment.
People with OCPD often believe their way is the 'right' way and may not see their behaviour as problematic.
How It Shows Up
Excessive devotion to work at the expense of leisure and relationships.
Rigid adherence to rules and procedures.
Inability to delegate because others won't do things 'correctly'.
Hoarding money or objects 'just in case'.
Perfectionism that prevents completing tasks.
Stubbornness and inflexibility.
Difficulty expressing warmth and affection.
Finding Balance
Therapy can help examine the costs of perfectionism and rigidity.
Learning to tolerate 'good enough' rather than insisting on perfect.
Scheduling leisure time and protecting it.
Practising flexibility in small ways.
Mindfulness helps reduce the drive to control everything.
Relationship therapy can improve connections with loved ones.