Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

(Anankastic Personality Disorder)

Definition

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a condition where people are obsessed with rules, order, and control. It can lead to problems in other areas of life, such as work.

Causes

It is not clear what causes personality disorders. It is likely due to genes and a person's environment.

Risk Factors

OCPD is more common in men, especially young adults. Other things that raise the risk are:

Symptoms

OCPD may cause:

  • Excessive focus on details and correctness
  • Problems completing tasks
  • Behavior that is stiff, formal, or rigid
  • Thrift with money
  • Excessive working
  • Inability to throw out worn or useless items
  • Inability to share tasks

Diagnosis

A doctor or therapist will ask about your symptoms, health, and mental health. Diagnosis of OCPD is based on a complete assessment.

Treatment

The goal is to reduce the unwanted behaviors. Options may be:

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent OCPD. Early treatment can lead to better outcomes.

RESOURCES:

Mental Health America
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net

National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Mental Health Association
https://cmha.ca

Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org

REFERENCES:

Lei H, Huang L, et al. Altered spontaneous brain activity in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Compr Psychiatry. 2020;96:152144.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd. Accessed March 10, 2021.

Obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). Merck Manual Professional Version. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-ocpd. Accessed March 10, 2021.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder symptoms. Psych Central website Available at: https://psychcentral.com/disorders/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-symptoms. Accessed March 10, 2021.

Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD