OCD vs. OCPD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, abbreviated as OCD, is a mental health disorder that occurs when individuals experience recurring, unwanted thoughts or obsessions that are led to repetitive behaviors. This can include hand washing, cleaning, or any other activity that can significantly interfere with a person's daily activities and social interactions. Also, these obsessions may spark anxiety since they are intrusive and unwanted. Individuals try to control these frequent thoughts by repeating particular behaviors, hence compulsions. Many individuals without OCD have distressing thoughts or repetitive behaviors. 

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, OCPD for short, is characterized by extreme perfectionism, order, and neatness. This differs from OCD since they are two very different conditions that have their own symptoms and treatment plans. Individuals with OCPD believe to do things the "right" way and are fixated with following a set routine for their daily living. Symptoms of those with OCPD include being overly controlling of their environments or relationships. They prioritize rules and orderliness and believe that there is a specific way to do things. Individuals with OCPD are fixated on perfectionism which can lead to inflexibility and inefficiency. 

Treatment for both OCD and OCPD vary. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the ways doctors may use for treatment of OCD. Another effective form of treatment is psychotherapy. To read and learn more about the differences between OCD vs. OCPD, click here.