Introduction
It is possible to encounter perfectionist, order-obsessed, and rule-abiding individuals everywhere. You may find it difficult to interact with these people and feel the need to carefully choose your words. These individuals, who strive to make every aspect of their lives perfect, may have Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, which we will discuss in today’s article.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is characterized by an excessive need for order and perfectionism, paying great attention to even the smallest detail (APA, 2013). In this disorder, individuals may not be able to complete tasks on time because they want every detail of their work to be flawless (APA, 2013). This is because they believe their work must meet a certain standard. These characteristics prevent them from collaborating with others and delegating tasks (APA, 2013). They may not believe anyone can do things as well as they can. They place excessive importance on the orderliness of their work and living environment.
They may prioritize their work life so much that they may not dedicate enough time to interpersonal relationships (APA, 2013). They may also leave themselves little free time. In their social circles, these individuals may appear to place excessive importance on moral values and strive intensely to be virtuous. They show no flexibility or change in their values (APA, 2013). They may believe that others should also live within the strict rules they set for themselves. They may be known as stubborn and controlling in their environment (APA, 2013).
They are extremely reluctant to spend money (APA, 2013). For them, money is something to be saved for a rainy day (APA, 2013). They are also reluctant to throw away old belongings (APA, 2013).
What Are The Possible Effects Of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder?
Difficulty Making Decisions
In Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, individuals may be unable to make decisions because they consider even small details that are not worth paying attention to during the decision-making process (Kocakula and Altunoğlu, 2018). They may frequently experience getting bogged down in details. Because of this characteristic, working in environments where rules and hierarchies are clear may be better for them (Kocakula and Altunoğlu, 2018).
Difficulty Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
They may have difficulty maintaining social relationships because they have difficulty understanding the feelings of others and empathizing (Ergin and Yalçınkaya Alkar, 2022). Their rigid and stubborn attitudes can lead to difficulties in their relationships.
Development Of Insecure Attachment Styles
Anxious and avoidant attachment styles are likely to be observed in individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (Anlı, Türkoğlu and Sağır, 2019). Controlling and rigid attitudes can lead them to avoid forming relationships and distance themselves from those they are close to. On the other hand, a desire to control those they are in a relationship with may develop.
Other Co-Occurring Psychological Disorders
In personality disorders, conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders can also occur secondarily (Ergin and Yalçınkaya Alkar, 2022). The same is true in Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. However, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can also co-occur with this personality disorder (Türksoy, Tükel and Özdemir, 2000). In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, intrusive thoughts, usually in one area such as cleanliness, aggression, or religion, and behaviors performed to get rid of these thoughts come to the forefront (Türksoy et al., 2000).
Conclusion
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder can be summarized as a condition in which the individual is excessively controlling, perfectionistic, rigid, and stubborn. The individual pays great attention to every detail and makes intense efforts to reach the standards they set for themselves in their work. They place great importance on moral values and virtue and may expect those around them to live the same way. This disorder can lead to difficulties in interpersonal relationships, spending too much time working, and failing to complete tasks on time.
References
Anlı, İ., Türkoğlu, L. and Sağır, R. (2019). The relationship between attachment style, personality traits and obsessive-compulsive personality formation. Istanbul Science University Florence Nightingale Medical Journal, 5 (1), 26–31. https://izlik.org/JA23HZ92FE
APA (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Ergin, E., & Yalçınkaya Alkar, Ö. (2022). The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in Cluster C personality disorders. Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 14, 185–194.
Kocakula, Ö., & Altunoğlu, A. E. (2018). The effect of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder on decision-making processes. International Academy of Management Journal, 1(2), 114–131.
Türksoy, N., Tükel, R., & Özdemir, Ö. (2000). Comparison of clinical features in patients with and without obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Clinical Psychiatry, 3, 92–98.