Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Definition

noun

A psychological disorder characterized by the pervasive pattern of inflexible perfectionism that begins in early adulthood

Supplement

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is a psychological disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of inflexible perfectionism. It is said to begin by early adulthood. The following symptoms of this personality disorder are as follows:

• an unattainable perfectionism with overly strict standards which often make it impossible to complete a task
• preoccupation with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or scheduling to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost
• unreasonable insistence that others submit to exactly his or her way of doing things
• an unnecessary, excessive devotion to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships
• rumination to the point of indecisiveness
• over-conscientiousness about matters of morality, ethics, or values
• restricted expression of affection
• lack of generosity in giving time, money, or gifts when no personal gain is likely to result
• an inability to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is different from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The latter is a disorder of an individual that feels the need to check things or perform certain routines repeatedly.

Abbreviation / Acronym: OCPD

Synonym(s):

• obsessional neurosis
• anankastic personality disorder

Compare:

• obsessive-compulsive disorder