Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
The name of this personality disorder has been well put. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder refers to a person that is often ruled by obsessions and compulsions. They are convinced of irrational things and therefore act out in irrational manners in order to deal with the obsession. A person with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is similarly ruled by obsessions and compulsions. Because the disorder is one extended into the person’s personality, the effects are felt in every aspect of the individual’s life. They are also very obvious to those around the suffering individual.
Effects on The Self
The person with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is very hard on himself. He lives by rules and details. He is obsessed with perfection and therefore has a compulsion to maintain strict attention to even details that don’t matter. Every work project is done by the book. There is no time to relax and nothing to waste. The person is unfortunately very inefficient because of his obsession with getting things right. When the deadline for a work project passes, he may still be busy making lists of what will have to be done to finish the project correctly. The person with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder may be very frustrated with himself and his inability to finish things perfectly, but he will probably be more frustrated with others and their inability or unwillingness to do things the right way.
Effects on Others
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder causes a person to attempt to control and dominate not only situations, but other people as well. The person will probably expect perfection out of others. No matter what the situation, he will probably demand that things be done in the way that he prescribes. This person will not work well with others at work. If he or she does have a family, the family relationships will probably be strained and difficult. Since the person with the disorder does not see the appropriate place for relaxation in his own life, he will likewise expect constant activity from his family. Vacations with a person with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder do not feel like vacations. People at work and at home will probably be frustrated with the desire for perfection that is inappropriately tied to inefficiency in the life of the person with the disorder. The meticulous steps that attempt perfection will almost always destroy any chance that a project or activity has at success because of time delays and unnecessary adaptations.
Summary
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder creates a rigid and unbending person. The effects on himself and others are significant. Frustration is the dominant feeling for everyone involved in a particular situation or project. It is important to note that the person suffering from this personality disorder is not unfeeling. He does have a so-called soft side, but is unwilling or unable to show it publicly. Even to people close to him, it is nearly impossible to demonstrate affection or praise. Even satisfaction is rare because things may never be up to the standard. The obsession is perfection and the compulsion is to only engage in activities toward that end.
Frances, Allen MD and First, Michael B. MD. Your Mental Health: A Layman’s Guide to
the Psychiatrist’s Bible. New York: Scribner, 1998.
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