Symptoms of OCPD include rigidity and perfectionism that interfere with quality of life.
People with OCPD may have an obsession with rules, schedules, and order.
They may judge others according to these standards as well as themselves.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
This can result in difficulty completing tasks because of excessive doubt, caution, and conscientiousness.
They can zero in and focus on flaws, including flaws in other people.
How does OCPD affect relationships?
They may choose to do everything themselves rather than let others help.
It is also common to have difficulty showing affection and generosity.
Research has found that people with OCPD reported less empathic perspective-taking than participants without OCPD.
They can occur together, and share some similarities, but there are key distinctions.
These include the following:
How common is OCPD?
OCPD affects about 3% to 8% of the general population.
Who Is Affected?
The exact cause of OCPD is not known, but certain people are more likely to be affected.
These include:
Is OCPD a form of autism?
OCPD is not considered a form of autism, but the two conditions share similar characteristics.
People with OCPD often display autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like traits such as inflexibility and communication difficulties.
A diagnosis of OCPD is made based on a psychological examination.
People with OCPD are oftenhigh achievingand can appear to function well, especially in a clinical setting.
It is possible to have some OCPD traits without having the fully diagnosed personality disorder.
OCPD in Males vs.
Females
OCPDis under-researched, and studies conflict on some aspects of the condition.
Treatment
Treatment for OCPD usually involves psychotherapy (talk therapy).
Medication may be used, too, but typically as a complementary treatment to psychotherapy.
Prognosis
People with OCPD often fare better than those with some otherpersonality disorders.
Complications such as substance abuse (which are common in other personality disorders) are less common with OCPD.
This may be because the rigidness and control of OCPD prevent these complications.
People with OCPD have high, strict standards to which they hold themselves and others.
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