OCD vs OCPD: How Do They Differ?

It is common for people to use the terms Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) interchangeably, but in reality, they are two distinct mental health conditions. While both of them involve obsessive and compulsive behaviours, their underlying causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches are different. In this article, we will explore the differences between OCD and OCPD and help you understand how they can affect individuals.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, commonly known as OCD, is a mental health condition that is characterised by the symptoms such as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. 

• Obsessive thoughts are unwanted and intrusive thoughts that can cause a great deal of anxiety and distress. 
• Compulsive behaviours are actions that are repeated over and over again in an attempt to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts.

People with OCD may experience a wide range of obsessions and compulsions. Some common examples include fear of contamination, a need for symmetry and order, and repeated checking of things like locks or appliances. These obsessions and compulsions can interfere with daily life and cause significant distress.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, or OCPD, is a personality disorder that is characterised by an intense preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. People with OCPD have a strong desire to do things “the right way” and can become extremely upset if things are not done according to their standards. 

Some common symptoms of OCPD include the following: 

• Being extremely devoted to their jobs
• Difficulty in being flexible 
• Difficulty in throwing things away 
• Difficulty in giving up control over things they feel responsible for
• Having a hard time showing affection
• Preoccupation with perfectionism and rules. 

Individuals with OCPD may not necessarily engage in the repetitive behaviours seen in OCD, but they may have rigid thought patterns and behaviours that can cause significant distress. They may also struggle with interpersonal relationships due to their need for control and perfectionism.

Difference between OCD and OCPD

The key difference between OCD and OCPD lies in their underlying causes and the nature of their symptoms. While OCD is considered an anxiety disorder, OCPD is classified as a personality disorder. OCD is characterised by the presence of true obsessions and compulsions, while OCPD involves rigid thought patterns and behaviours that may not necessarily involve true obsessions or compulsions.

Presence of true obsessions and compulsions

In OCD, individuals experience true obsessions and compulsions that they cannot control. These obsessions and compulsions cause significant distress and anxiety, and individuals may engage in them in an attempt to reduce their anxiety. In contrast, individuals with OCPD may have rigid thought patterns and behaviours, but they are not driven by true obsessions or compulsions. They may feel a strong desire to do things “the right way,” but they are not necessarily doing them to reduce anxiety.

Symptoms

The symptoms of OCD and OCPD can overlap, but there are some key differences. In OCD, individuals experience true obsessions and compulsions that are often unrelated to real-life stressors. They may engage in repetitive behaviours such as hand-washing, checking, or counting, in an attempt to reduce their anxiety. In contrast, individuals with OCPD may have rigid thought patterns and behaviours related to work, personal relationships, or other areas of life. They may have difficulty relaxing and may feel compelled to work constantly in an attempt to meet their own high standards.

Treatment

The treatment approaches for OCD and OCPD are different. While both conditions may benefit from therapy, the specific type of therapy may differ. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used to treat OCD, as it can help individuals learn to manage their obsessions and compulsions. Medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may also be used in combination with therapy.

If you or a loved one is going through this condition, it is important to see a psychiatrist or a therapist to get the right treatment.