Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Versus Obsessive Compulsive Personality Diso

OCD:

A person with OCD experiences frequent repetitive and upsetting thoughts and/or behavior, which are intrusive and unwelcome. There are some undesirable impulses that repeatedly run in the mind of an OCD person. This disorder is characterized by two main features: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are involuntary thoughts, images or impulses, while compulsions are repetitive physical behaviors, actions or mental thought rituals that are performed over and over again in an attempt to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessional thoughts.

OCPD:

This condition is characterized by a chronic, maladaptive pattern of behavior displayed by sufferers who are commonly preoccupied with rules, orderliness and control. It is a type of personality disorder marked by rigidity, control, perfectionism, and an over-concern with work at the expense of close interpersonal relationships. Whereas the severity of OCD symptoms will often fluctuate over time, OCPD is chronic in nature, with little change in personality style.

2. Obsessions and compulsions do not exist in OCPD

While both conditions may involve excessive engagement in tasks that require exquisite attention to details, it must be noted that the purpose is different for each condition.

OCD:

Tasks are used to reduce anxiety caused by obsessional thoughts. For example, the sufferer may be tormented by obsessional thoughts of someone close dying and the consequent repetitive behavior e.g. list making serves to reduce anxiety caused by such thoughts. Rituals are very frequent and take a great amount of time. Moreover, OCD sufferers are usually distressed by having to carry out these rituals, they recognize the irrationality or excessiveness of obsessions and compulsions but feel incapable of stopping them.

OCPD:

Contrary, a person with OCPD would justify list-making as a good strategy to improve efficiency to get the best results possible i.e. to reach perfectionism. Activities, such as list making or items organizing, are considered as necessary and viewed as beneficial to the individual. However, much less time is spent on being engaged in such tasks when compared to OCD condition.

3. OCD is ego dystonic disorder while OCPD is ego syntonic disorder

Ego dystonic disorder (OCD) goes against the person's perception of herself/himself and thus causes much greater distress. People are ridden with anxiety.

On the other hand, in ego syntonic disorder (OCPD) the perception of self is compatible with the characteristics displayed as a result of the disorder. People often derive pleasure from their obsessions or compulsions.

4. Treatment is sought for different reasons

In OCD treatment is sought because of the psychological stress caused by the compulsions and obsessions.

In OCDP the sufferers often become upset when they lose their control. In some situations the person becomes angry or emotionally withdraws. Such behavior subsequently causes problems in family or friendship relationships and thus treatment is sought to resolve the conflicts.

Having highlighted the main differences above it is clear that the distinction must always be made so that a specific treatment is applied to each condition.