Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder characterised by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.

The following criteria are used to diagnose OCPD:

1. Preoccupation with Details, Rules, Lists, Order, Organisation, or Schedules: Individuals with OCPD are often excessively devoted to work and productivity, to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships. Their preoccupation with details and rules may be such that the major point of the activity is lost.
2. Perfectionism: This perfectionism interferes with task completion, as their overly strict standards are not met. They may be unaware of how their insistence on perfectionism is detrimental to themselves and to others.
3. Excessive Devotion to Work and Productivity: Their dedication to work and productivity comes at the expense of leisure and relationships. They may insist that their way of doing things is the only right way and are reluctant to delegate tasks unless others submit to their exact guidelines.
4. Over-Conscientious and Inflexible about Morality, Ethics, or Values: People with OCPD may rigidly adhere to moral and ethical codes. They are often judgmental and inflexible about their own and others’ adherence to these standards.
5. Inability to Discard Worn-Out or Worthless Objects: Individuals with OCPD may find it hard to discard items that have no sentimental value, believing that they may be useful in future.
6. Reluctance to Delegate Tasks or Work with Others: They are reluctant to delegate tasks or to work with others unless those people agree to do things exactly as the individuals with OCPD want.
7. Miserliness in Regards to Self and Others: This stems from a belief that money should be hoarded for future catastrophes.
8. Rigidity and Stubbornness: Their rigidity and stubbornness are often evident.

It’s important to note that OCPD is different from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is more about unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and actions (compulsions). OCPD does not necessarily involve these obsessions and compulsions. It is also crucial to understand that a diagnosis of OCPD should be made by a qualified mental health professional, based on a thorough clinical assessment.