OCPD, or Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (also known as Anankastic Personality Disorder), is a personality disorder characterized by high levels of perfectionism (sometimes leading to procrastination), black-and-white thinking, rigidity and preoccupation & insistence on details, rules, lists, order and organization. For a more detailed explanation, please click here.

Currently, there are no medications that specifically address the symptoms of OCPD. Some with OCPD may experience anxiety, depression, or other comorbidities. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, please seek out both treatment and/or pharmaceutical solutions from a trained mental health professional.

Having OCPD does not preclude the possibility of other mental health issues. It is not uncommon for someone with OCPD to experience depression and/or anxiety. Only a trained mental health professional will be able to provide you with a complete diagnosis.

This is a question that science has not conclusively answered up to this point. It is likely that both are involved, but current theories point more to nurture as the most likely source of developing OCPD. It is also likely that OCPD tendencies may have a genetic component that could remain dormant unless exposed to certain factors in youth.

This depends on what you are expecting from a formal diagnosis. A formal diagnosis is certainly not required in order to participate in therapy or engage in healthy activities that may help combat unwanted traits. However, some countries require a formal diagnosis for insurance purposes. A diagnosis can also be useful in better understanding yourself, and it can help with communication between you and your therapist.

- of, relating to, or arising from compulsion especially in an obsessive or compulsive neurosis

A personality disorder is a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning & behaving. Personality disorders are long-term patterns of behavior and inner experiences that differ significantly from what is expected. There are 10 types of personality disorders, each with different characteristics and symptoms.

Cluster C personality disorders—avoidant, Dependent, & Obsessive Compulsive—are characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior.

The short answer is yes. OCPD manifests outwardly very differently from person to person. It is about a pattern of thinking and maladaptive thought processes. It is not just a compilation of compulsions and idiosyncrasies. In addition, the latest edition of the DSM states that a person needs only to meet four of the eight requirements.

Although a common question, this is not a simple answer. If you are asking this question, it is already likely that either you are having self-doubt about the reasonableness of your requests or that somebody has brought to your attention that they believe you are being unreasonable. It would seem that it would be in your best interest to err on the side of caution. However, honest and open communication is going to be key to discovering what is right and what is wrong in each individual situation.

With OCD, sufferers are driven by their strong desire to alleviate the anxiety of their obsessions through the act of compulsions. With OCPD, it’s a set of self-imposed rules that dictate their compulsions in a desire to be perfect or correct. Those with OCD inherently recognize that their behaviors deviate from the norm, while those with OCPD feel that the “norm” should conform to them. In general, it’s probably more likely that the compulsions of someone with OCD take up more of their time than those of someone with OCPD.