OCD vs. OCPD

Differences, Symptoms, and Treatment

Nov 9, 2009 Kristeen Mandak

OCD is generally recognizable by its sufferers. OCPD is not treated as often, due to the fact that sufferers do not recognize that they have OCD.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. According to the International OCD Foundation, approximately one in every 50 Americans has this disorder, some of which may be undiagnosed. OCD is recognized by an individual during their adulthood, though a parent may suspect it in a child earlier.

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) shares similar symptoms of OCD. However, OCPD is not recognized by the individual. In fact, a person with OCPD does not think his anxiety is out of the ordinary, and accepts it as a normal routine. Thus, OCPD is more difficult to diagnose and treat, as sufferers do not come forth on their own for treatment.

Symptoms

Both OCD and OCPD are rooted in a daily series of recurrent obsessions and compulsions which interfere with an individual's life. A person may obsess over: bad thoughts, germs, numbers, patterns, images, and neatness. To combat these obsessions, a person with OCD may engage in compulsive behavior. For example, an OCD sufferer who is obsessed with germs may constantly wash his hands throughout the day. Another example may be obsessing over a specific number of items and thus having to arrange them in a certain order until they are perfect.

These obsessions and compulsions interfere with an OCPD sufferer's relationships and social behaviors more than an OCD patient. OCPD patients tend to be perfectionists, impatient with others, reserved, stubborn, angry, controlling of others, selfish, hostile, competitive, clean, preoccupied with objects or hobbies, and overly competitive. Also, OCPD patients tend to hoard inanimate objects and have great fears of letting these things go. All the while, and OCPD sufferer does not see anything wrong with their actions, even when they affect other people.

Treatment

A suspected anxiety disorder like OCD or OCPD should first be addressed with a general medical doctor. If such a disorder is suspected, the doctor will refer the patient to a mental health professional. A mental health specialist will treat OCD with therapy, and perhaps medications for more severe cases. Treatment for OCPD is more advanced, and involves consistent therapy. While OCD sufferers may opt for group therapy sessions, OCPD patients generally do not. OCPD is almost always treated with anxiety medications, such as Prozac. Stress management may also be taught.

OCD and OCPD have similar roots. OCD is treated easier, as patients tend to seek help early in life. OCPD is more difficult. Patients with OCPD are usually referred for treatment by friends or family who can recognize the symptoms. Sadly, many OCPD sufferers never receive treatment, as they lack the ability to recognize the disorder.

Resources:

International OCD Foundation: http://www.ocfoundation.org/what-is-ocd.html

RealMentalHealth: http://www.realmentalhealth.com/personality_disorders/obsessive_compulsive_personality_disorder.asp

The copyright of the article OCD vs. OCPD in General Medicine is owned by Kristeen Mandak. Permission to republish OCD vs. OCPD in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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