From the Research
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a chronic mental health condition that should be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the primary approach, as it has been shown to be effective in helping patients recognize rigid thinking patterns and develop more flexible approaches to situations 1.
Key Characteristics of OCPD
- Excessive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control at the expense of flexibility and efficiency
- Rigid adherence to rules and regulations
- Extreme attention to detail
- Excessive devotion to work at the expense of leisure activities
- Reluctance to delegate tasks
- Miserliness and stubbornness
Treatment Options
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): helps patients recognize rigid thinking patterns and develop more flexible approaches to situations 1
- Schema therapy: effective in addressing underlying cognitive schemas that contribute to OCPD
- Psychodynamic therapy: may be helpful in addressing underlying emotional and relational issues
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine or sertraline: may help manage associated anxiety or depression, typically starting at low doses (e.g., fluoxetine 10mg daily, gradually increasing if needed) 2
Important Considerations
- OCPD can significantly impact relationships and quality of life as the person's inflexibility and perfectionism create difficulties in both personal and professional settings
- The disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and tends to be more common in men
- A comprehensive treatment plan should prioritize CBT as the primary approach, with other therapies and medications used as adjunctive treatments as needed 3