NOTE
This disorder is not the same as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which is an anxiety disorder.[1][3]
DESCRIPTION
OPCD is characterised by inflexibility, rigid conformity to rules and perfectionism. In contrast to OCD, the anxiety disorder, OCPD sufferers do not have a compulsion to perform ritualistic and repetitive actions, but actually emphasise perfection and sticking to their morals and values rigidly.[1] OCPD sufferers have unrealistically high standards for themselves and those they work with.[2]
CAUSES
As with other personality disorders, the cause of this disorder may be faulty parenting or a negative childhood trauma, but the exact cause is unknown.[4]
SYMPTOMS
A person with an obsessive compulsive personality has a preoccupation with detail and perfection which can lead to them losing sight of their original goal.[4] They set unrealistically high goals for themselves and others, which means others can rarely live up to their expectations.[2] They see things in black and white and rarely see moral grey areas.[1] They stick rigidly to rules and are obsessed with orderliness and feel that if they lose control of this there will be a massive catastrophe.[1][2][3]
PREVALENCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY
It is present in around 1% of the population. In the USA, it is found in men twice more than women.[4]
TREATMENT
Treatment for OCPD generally involves psychotherapy and behaviour therapy, in which therapists will discuss ways to change compulsions into healthy & productive actions. Sometimes medication is prescribed and success has been reported with this method, but you may find therapy is the main course taken in treatment. Self help treatment is often prescribed- support groups and the education of friends and family to understand the patients problems and recognize the warning signs.[1]
SOURCES
[1] - http:/www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/00942.htm
[2] - http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understandin...
[3] - http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe10.html
[4] - http://www.minddisorders.com/Ob-Ps/Obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder.html