What is OCPD?
People with OCPC (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder) need things to be perfect and in order. They usually make a lot of lists, organize with schedules, and have rules in place to feel that they are in control. They present as rigid and stubborn and have difficulties making decisions.
How Are People With OCPD Affected?
People with OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality disorder) require every detail to be done perfectly, so they usually take more than the needed time to complete tasks or may not be able to complete them at all. However, they are the best fit for tasks or jobs that require attention to detail such as bookkeeping. They like to micromanage and scrutinize every last detail and have a hard time allowing others to participate in decisions, plans, or tasks.
This attitude puts a lot of strain on those around them as others cannot participate or are criticized for their work. Often, tasks are not completed due to difficulty making decisions and the dissatisfaction with a project until it is perfect. People with OCPD are often workaholics, completely devoted to their projects, controlling over others and with no time for humor.
OCD Vs. OCPD
This personality disorder is often confused with the anxiety disorder of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), due to its similar name. However, they are fundamentally different.
Those who suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Anxiety disorder) experience unwanted and intrusive thoughts and feel the urge to do things in order to decrease their anxiety and find some relief. Usually, after these acts (the compulsions), there is a sense of relief. People with OCD know that these behaviours are not “normal” but they do them only to soothe their anxiety and not as part of their daily functioning.
In those with OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder), the thoughts of perfection are not unwanted, rather, they are interpreted as accurate and considered the right way to do things. They incorporate these meticulous ways as part of their “normal” way of working or doing things at home.
Symptoms Of OCPD
Signs of OCPD include an inability to throw away belongings, even those lacking any value or importance. People with this personality disorder tend to be frugal, inflexible and preoccupied with sticking to their morals, values, and ethics. They tend to present themselves neatly groomed with clean and proper clothing. They may speak in a monotone voice and express very few emotions. People with OCPD fear losing control over themselves, situations and others.
Treatment for OCPD
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on teaching the client to recognize thinking mistakes and why they are maladaptive. Clients learn strategies to facilitate a more enjoyable lifestyle where they are not preoccupied with worries of losing control, the stress of perfectionism, and the inability to complete a task.
Get in Touch
If you are interested in therapy for OCPD in Vaughan, Thornhill, Markham, or the GTA, please call or text 905.597.4404 or fill out the form below and you will be contacted within 24 business hours.
CBT Psychology For Personal Development is located at 7626 Yonge St, Thornhill, ON L4J 1V9.
Our psychologists and psychotherapists offer therapy in Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, York Region.
We offer counselling across Ontario through teletherapy (online counselling using secure video platforms).
