Everyone has a way of doing things, and this way can sometimes be annoying to other people. Most of us are able to find common ground and can work well together and build relationships, both socially and at work. However, there are times when you see someone, or perhaps yourself, unable to understand why yourself or someone else you know is simply unable to change or compromise. Maybe this person has Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). Only a trained mental health professional can diagnose OCPD, but you can learn to recognize some of its characteristics.
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Part 1 of 5: Knowing the Common Characteristics of OCPD
Step 1. Notice his priority to efficiency, perfection, and rigidity
People with OCPD are perfectionists. They are highly disciplined and enjoy processes, procedures, and rules. They spend a lot of time and effort in planning, but their perfectionism still doesn't keep them from completing their tasks.
- People who have OCPD have an eye for detail and their need to be perfect in every way and every aspect pushes them to control every side of their environment. They are able to manage all the smallest things in other people, even though they get resistance from other people.
- They are very trusting and follow all the instructions in the manual. In addition, they also believe that rules, processes and procedures must be followed and that the slightest non-compliance with them will result in imperfect results.
- This behavior is included in Criterion 1 in determining the diagnosis of OCPD according to the book “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-V).
Step 2. Observe how the person makes decisions and completes tasks
Indecision and an inability to complete tasks are hallmarks of people with OCPD. Because he is such a perfectionist, a person with OCPD has a strong urge to act carefully in his quest to decide what, when, and how to do the tasks at hand. He will often do detailed searches even if it has nothing to do with the decision to be made. People with OCPD strongly avoid impulsive situations or risky things.
- Difficulty making decisions and doing tasks even in small things. Precious time is simply wasted considering the pros and cons of each side, no matter how trivial it may seem.
- The emphasis on perfection actually causes people with OCPD to perform tasks over and over again. For example, he may read the same job document 30 times but fail to understand its contents. This repetition and unreasonable high standards of thinking often cause OCPD sufferers to be unable to function in their workplaces.
- This behavior is included in Criterion 2 in determining the diagnosis of OCPD according to the book “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-V).
Step 3. Pay attention to how the person interacts with the social environment
People with OCPD can often appear “cold” or “unfeeling” because their focus is on productivity and perfection, so things like social relationships and romantic relationships are out of their mind.
- When a person with OCPD goes for a walk, he usually doesn't seem to enjoy it, but instead worries about other things he thinks are better to do, because he thinks having fun is just a "waste of time".
- People with OCPD can also make others feel uncomfortable at social events, as their focus is solely on rules and perfection. For example, a person with OCPD may feel frustrated with the “rules of habit” that are commonly applied together in the game of “Monopoly”, if those habits are not written in the official rules. The person with OCPD may refuse to play, or spend time criticizing others who are playing or trying to find ways to make corrections.
- This behavior is included in Criterion 3 in determining the diagnosis of OCPD according to the book “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-V).
Step 4. Observe the person's understanding of morality and ethics
A person with OCPD is often overly concerned about morals, ethics, and what is right and wrong. He often cares too much about making sure he is doing the “right” thing and he has a rigid definition of what “doing the right thing” means, with no room for relativity or error. He is constantly worried about the possibility of breaking the rules, either by accident or by necessity. He is usually very respectful of authority and will comply with all rules and obligations, and is not at all concerned about whether the rules are important or not.
- People with OCPD also apply their principles of morality and these truth values to others. A person suffering from OCPD finds it difficult to accept that other people, such as those from different cultural backgrounds, may have different moral principles than they believe.
- People with OCPD are often harsh on themselves as well as with others. They tend to see even minor mistakes and transgressions as moral failures. There are no exceptional situations in the understanding of people with OCPD.
- This behavior is included in Criterion 4 in determining the diagnosis of OCPD according to the book “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-V).
Step 5. Watch the hoarding behavior
Hoarding is a classic symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in general, but it also occurs specifically in people with OCPD. A person with OCPD tends not to throw away items that are not used or even items that have no value at all. He hoarded all those things thinking that there was nothing that couldn't be used, "We never know when this stuff will come in handy!"
- These hoarded items include old food scraps, purchase receipts, to plastic spoons and damaged batteries. If he can imagine that the item could be useful/used someday, it should be kept.
- Hoarders love their “treasure” very much and if someone else tries to interfere with their collection, it will be very disturbing to him. The inability of others to understand the benefits of hoarding these items was a shock to them.
- Hoarding is very different from collection. Collectors love and enjoy the items they collect, and they don't experience the anxiety of throwing away items that are unused, useless, or no longer needed. On the other hand, hoarders usually feel anxious about throwing away any item, even if it may no longer work (such as a broken iPod).
- This behavior is included in Criterion 5 in determining the diagnosis of OCPD according to the book “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-V).
Step 6. Observe if this person has a very difficult time delegating responsibility
People with OCPD are often known as "control freaks." They have a very difficult time delegating responsibility for one task to another, because the task may not be done exactly as he or she believes it should be done. If they end up delegating a task, the person with OCPD will provide a painstaking list of instructions on how and how to perform the task, including tasks as simple as putting clothes in the washing machine.
- A person with OCPD will often criticize or “correct” others who are doing a task differently than their own way, even though it may not actually produce a different result or be more effective. He doesn't like other people's opinions on how to do things, and will react with surprise and anger when this happens.
- This behavior is included in Criterion 6 in determining the diagnosis of OCPD according to the book “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-V).
Step 7. Observe the person's shopping behavior
A person with OCPD not only finds it difficult to get rid of useless items, but also constantly “savings”. Such people are usually reluctant to shop even to buy the things they need because they are worried about the savings that must be prepared for emergency needs in the future. They may adopt a lifestyle that is far below their means, or even below health standards, in order to save money.
- It also means that they cannot separate from money by giving it to someone in need. They also used to persuade other people not to shop too.
- This behavior is included in Criterion 7 in determining the diagnosis of OCPD according to the book “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-V).
Step 8. Notice how stubborn the person is
People with OCPD are very stubborn and rigid. They dislike and are unable to deal with people who question themselves, or question their intentions, actions, behaviors, ideas, and beliefs. For them, they are always in the right, and there is no alternative but the things they do and the ways they do it.
- Anyone whom they perceive to be against them and disobeying their wishes is seen as uncooperative and irresponsible.
- This stubbornness often makes even close friends and family unhappy to interact with him. A person with OCPD cannot accept questions or suggestions, even from loved ones.
- This behavior is included in Criterion 8 in determining the diagnosis of OCPD according to the book “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition” (DSM-V).
Part 2 of 5: Recognizing OCPD in Social Relations
Step 1. Pay attention to the various collisions that occur
People with OCPD can't stop themselves from expressing their ideas and views about other people, even in situations that many others consider inappropriate. The bottom line is that such attitudes and behaviors can upset the other person and create clashes in the relationship and this would never occur to them, or would not stop them from doing what they were doing.
- An OCPD sufferer will not feel guilty even if he crosses the line, even though it may mean monitoring, controlling, interfering, and disturbing the lives of others, for the sake of perfection and order in everything.
- He will be disappointed, angry, and depressed if others do not follow his lead. He will get angry or frustrated if he sees other people disagree with him in trying to do everything according to the rules and perfectly.
Step 2. Look for a balance between your personal and work life
People with OCPD usually spend most of their time at work, on purpose and on their own. They have almost no vacation time. Their vacation time, if any, will be used to “fix” or “develop” something. Therefore, people with OCPD usually do not have friendships.
- If a person with OCPD tries to spend his time off doing a hobby or "relaxing" activity like painting or playing a sport like tennis, he's not doing it because it's fun. He will constantly strive to become an expert in the art or game. He would practice the same principles with his family and expect them to excel in everything they do, not just having fun.
- This intervention and interference often makes those around him angry. Not only does this make family vacation time a mess, but it also ruins relationships.
Step 3. Observe how the person expresses their emotions to others
For most people with OCPD, emotions are a waste of time, and in fact that time can be used to continue their pursuit of perfection. People with OCPD are usually very rigid in expressing or showing feelings.
- This reluctance to express emotions is usually due to fear that the expression or the emotions themselves may not be perfect. People with OCPD will delay for a very long time to say something that relates to their feelings, just to make sure that what they say is "true."
- People with OCPD may appear stiff or overly formal when trying to express their feelings. For example, they will try to shake hands when someone expects a hug, or use a rigid style of language to achieve the "right" standard.
Step 4. Notice how the person responds to the other person's emotions
People with OCPD not only find it difficult to express their emotions, they also have difficulty tolerating the emotions of others. People with OCPD may appear uncomfortable in situations when those around them are emotional (such as at a sporting event or family reunion).
- For example, many people would want to greet a friend they haven't seen in a long time with happy emotions. However, a person with OCPD may not experience or show such feelings, and may not smile, let alone hug.
- They may appear to be "free" of emotions, and often appear to belittle people who express their feelings and label them as "unreasonable" or inferior.
Part 3 of 5: Recognizing OCPD in the Workplace
Step 1. Consider the person's work schedule
Satisfying people with OCPD in the workplace is an impossible goal to achieve, much less impressing them. They are not only workaholics, but also workaholics who make it difficult for others to work. People with OCPD see themselves as loyal and responsible for allocating long hours to work, even though that time may often not be very productive.
- This behavior is common to them, and they expect all company employees to follow in their footsteps.
- In general, people with OCPD often work overtime but cannot be role models. They are not capable of being a good example at work for the people they lead and those who work with them. They focus more on the task than the relationship with the people they work with. They are unable to balance work and relationships. They often fail to encourage others to follow suit and support their cause.
- However, it is important to recognize that some places do have a culture of placing a higher value on people who often work late or spend a lot of their personal time at work. This kind of culture is different from the OCPD condition.
- For people with OCPD, it is not a compulsion for him to work, but he is willing to work.
Step 2. Pay attention to his interactions with other people
People with OCPD are rigid and stubborn when faced with various situations, including with their coworkers or employees they may be too involved in the personal lives of their employees and leave no space or boundaries for personal life. They also assume that the way they behave at work is the way everyone in the workplace should behave.
- For example, a manager with an OCPD condition will reject an employee's request for leave because he cannot accept the reason for the employee's leave that is not an obligation to do (including if the reason is a family need).
- People with OCPD don't consider that there is anything wrong with themselves and the way they function. They see themselves as the epitome of perfection and order, and if this attitude irritates others, they are seen as unreliable and unwilling to work for the good of the company/organization.
Step 3. Watch for signs of intervention
People with OCPD feel that other people are not aware of how to do things in a better way. According to them, their way is the only way and the best way to do everything. Collaboration and cooperation are meaningless for people with OCPD.
- Someone with OCPD will usually be a terrible “micromanager” or teammate, as he usually tries to force everyone to do things their own way.
- A person with OCPD is uncomfortable letting other people do things their way for fear that that person might make a mistake. He is usually reluctant to delegate responsibilities and will control the smallest thing to the person if the delegation is successful. His attitude and behavior conveys the message that he does not believe in other people and in their abilities.
Step 4. Notice if he violates the time limit
Oftentimes, people with OCPD get caught up in perfectionism and violate their work deadlines, even though they are important. They find it very difficult to manage their time effectively because their attention is always fixated on the minor things.
- Gradually, their traits, feelings, and tendencies create dysfunctional conflicts that make them isolated because many people don't like working with them. Their stubborn attitude and view of themselves makes things complicated at work and can make those around them not want to partner/work with them.
- When they lose support, they become even more determined to prove to others that there is no other viable alternative. This will make them more isolated from society.
Part 4 of 5: Getting the Right Treatment
Step 1. See a mental health professional
Only a mental health professional with the right educational background can diagnose and treat those with OCPD. Fortunately, OCPD treatments are usually more effective than treatments for other personality disorders. An appropriate mental health professional in this case would be a psychologist or psychiatrist, as most family doctors and general practitioners do not have special training in OCPD.
Step 2. Engage in therapy
Talk therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is usually considered an effective treatment for people with OCPD. CBT is performed by a mental health professional, and includes teaching the person ways to acknowledge and change unhelpful thought patterns and behavior patterns.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about available treatments
In most cases, therapy is sufficient to treat OCPD. In some cases, however, your doctor or psychiatrist may recommend medication such as "Prozac," which is a drug from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class.
Part 5 of 5: Understanding OCPD Further
Step 1. Learn what OCPD is
OCPD is also known as anankastic personality disorder (depending on which country you live in). As it's called, it's a personality disorder. A personality disorder is a condition in which maladaptive patterns of thinking, behavior, and experience occur, which transcend different contexts and have a profound impact on the sufferer's life.
- An OCPD sufferer experiences pleasure in his need for power and control over an environment. These symptoms must be followed by a permanent pattern in terms of tendencies to control regulations, perfection, and interpersonal and psychological relationships.
- This kind of control occurs at the expense of efficiency, openness, and flexibility, because there is a strong degree of rigidity in the sufferer's beliefs, which often affects his or her ability to complete tasks.
Step 2. Distinguish between OCPD and common obsessive compulsive disorder
OCPD has a very different diagnosis from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), although some of the symptoms are the same.
- Obsession, by definition, means that the individual's thoughts and feelings are completely dominated by the same idea over and over again. For example, this can be in the form of cleanliness, security, or other things that have important meaning for the individual.
- Compulsive nature involves an action that is done repeatedly and continuously without leading to a particular reward or pleasure as an end point. This action is often done to get rid of existing obsessions, for example repeatedly washing hands because of an obsession with cleanliness or repeatedly checking whether the door has been locked up to 32 times because of the obsession that if this is not done the house will be robbed.
- Obsessive compulsive disorder is an "anxiety" disorder that involves a disturbing obsession that must be vented / channeled by performing compulsive behaviors. People with OCD often know that their obsessions are unreasonable and disturbing but cannot avoid them. Unlike people with OCD, people with OCPD, because it is a "personality" disorder, often don't understand that their thinking and need to control all areas of their life in a rigid way is unreasonable or problematic.
Step 3. Understand the diagnostic criteria for OCPD
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V) states that to be diagnosed as having OCPD, a patient must exhibit four or more of these symptoms in contexts that vary to a degree that interferes with life:
- Enjoy details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules, to the point of missing the essence of the activity
- Demonstrates a perfectionist attitude that interferes with task completion (e.g., unable to complete a project because it is too rigid with standards that cannot be met)
- Dedicating himself to work excessively to the point of sacrificing vacation time and friendships (unless he is experiencing a very large and urgent economic need, to the point that he is forced to work hard)
- Has excessive prudence, scrupulousness, and rigidity regarding matters of morality, ethics, or values (unless he or she adheres to those standards because of a particular cultural or religious background)
- Not being able to throw away useless and worthless items even though they may not have sentimental value
- Reluctant to delegate tasks or cooperate with others unless the other person submits to the way he prescribes
- Thinks that shopping is just a waste of money, both for himself and others, and strongly believes that money should be saved for future emergency needs
- Shows excessive rigidity and stubbornness.
Step 4. Know the criteria for anankastic personality disorder
Similarly, the WHO's International Classification of Disease 10 guidelines require that a patient must exhibit specific symptoms based on the criteria for a personality disorder in order to be diagnosed as having a personality disorder (as mentioned above). Patients must have at least three of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with anankastic personality disorder:
- Excessive doubts and worries
- Enjoy details, rules, lists, order, organization or schedules
- Perfectionist attitude that interferes with task completion
- Excessive conscientiousness, intense detail at all times, and enjoys productivity so much that he has no desire for vacations or relationships with other people
- Have excessive accuracy and compliance with the regulations that apply in the social sphere
- Stiff and stubborn
- Forcing others to do things the way they want with unreasonable reasons, or being reluctant to let others do the work
- Feeling annoyed when receiving other people's thoughts or input that comes / is given without being asked.
Step 5. Know the risk factors for OCPD
OCPD is a common personality disorder, and the DSM-V guidebook estimates that approximately 2.1--7.9% of the general population has OCPD. This condition also occurs because of hereditary factors in the family, so the OCPD condition has the possibility of genetic traits.
- Men are twice as likely to have OCPD than women.
- Children who are raised in a rigid and controlling family environment are more likely to develop OCPD.
- Children who grow up with parents who are too strict and always disapproving or overly protective can grow up to be OCPD.
- 70% of people with OCPD also suffer from depression.
- About 25-50% of people with OCD also have OCPD.
Tips
- It is important to note that only an officially qualified health professional can diagnose the presence of this disorder in a person.
- You or someone you know may have three or more of the criteria for anankastic personality disorder or four or more of the symptoms relevant to OCPD, but this does not mean that you have the condition. Counseling support will still be useful for those of you who are in this kind of situation.
- Use the information above as a guide to see if you or someone you know needs help.
- WHO and APA (American Psychological Association) use different guidebooks, namely the DSM and the ICD. The two should be used in relation to one another, not separately.
