What is a personality disorder? (OCPD related)

A lot of you may be wondering what a personality disorder is. 

It is anything that doesn t allow the individual to function properly, normally according to the social norms.  These includes ticks, obsessions, fears and anything else that may keep the person from forming social bonds. They go beyond once in a while things, but they are daily habits or actions, thoughts or hidden motivations. 

The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM) has a list of a lot of these disorders and it is also free to use online. To qualify for a personality disorder you must tick several of the included characteristics that they mention in the DSM. Each disorder has its own characteristics. 

I have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) that I mention very often. I also have Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) which is on a different spectrum than BPD. They are different cluster. B and C for those who want to read more on the topic. 

I have also spoken on a previous post about my delayed PTSD but I think this is much under control. 

When you have more than one personality disorder (PD), then there is comorbidity. Many times depression lurks around the corner for many of the disorders. BPD is one of them. Look at my past posts to read more on BPD or even PTSD. I would like to inform more on the OCPD not to be confused with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ).

The distinction is as follows (taken from Chatgpt):

1. Nature of the Disorders:

OCD: OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Individuals with OCD experience distressing and unwanted thoughts, which lead them to engage in rituals or repetitive actions to alleviate anxiety or prevent perceived harm.
OCPD: OCPD is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of perfectionism, orderliness, control, and excessive attention to details. Individuals with OCPD have a rigid and inflexible way of thinking, functioning, and relating to others.


2.Focus of Symptoms:

OCD: OCD symptoms primarily revolve around specific obsessions and related compulsions. Obsessions are recurring thoughts, images, or impulses that cause distress, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety or prevent harm.
OCPD: OCPD symptoms are centered on perfectionism, control, and excessive devotion to work and productivity. Individuals with OCPD often have rigid rules and high standards for themselves and others, leading to difficulties in interpersonal relationships.


3.Impact on Functioning:

OCD: OCD can significantly interfere with daily life and functioning. The obsessions and compulsions consume a considerable amount of time and energy, causing distress and impairing various areas of life, such as work, relationships, and social activities.
OCPD: OCPD, while causing challenges in relationships and personal well-being, generally does not impair functioning to the same degree as OCD. People with OCPD tend to be highly productive and may excel in their careers, but their rigid thinking and behavior can lead to difficulties in forming close relationships.


4.Perception of Symptoms:

OCD: Individuals with OCD are often aware that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive or irrational, but they feel compelled to engage in them due to the anxiety and fear provoked by their obsessions.
OCPD: People with OCPD typically perceive their behavior and thinking patterns as appropriate and in line with their values. They may not see a problem with their perfectionism and may struggle to understand why others find their behavior difficult to tolerate.

Let me know if you wanna see more content such as this or if you have any questions.