OCPD VS OCD
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
What Is OCD?
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is defined by people who are typically distressed by the nature of their behaviors or thoughts, however much they are unable to control them. In other words, people with OCD do senseless things, for example, repeating words over and over again, to reduce the anxiety they are feeling.
What Is OCPD?
With OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder), the behaviors are not directed by uncontrollable thoughts or irrational, repeated behaviors, and they believe that their actions have an aim and purpose. Those with OCPD are more likely to be hard-driving perfectionists who pay extreme attention to details in daily life habits such as being punctual or chores. People with OCPD get irritated by others who question them or do not follow their orderly rules because of their perfectionism.
Symptoms of OCD VS OCPD
People with OCD often perform ritualistic behaviors, while people with OCPD are typically more perfectionistic.
OCD typically won’t damage a person’s relationships, while OCPD can be extremely detrimental to relationships.
People with OCD are usually aware of the disorder and realize they may need help. On the other hand, people with OCPD are often unaware and unbothered by the disorder.
OCD is an anxiety disorder, while OCPD is a personality disorder.
Those with OCD typically seek help because of how their symptoms and tension affect their day-to-day activities. In contrast, those with OCPD seek help due to the conflicts and arguments caused by their behaviors affecting relationships with family and friends.
Those with OCD find it difficult to decide which behaviors are reasonable and find it difficult to control recurring and unwanted thoughts and behaviors. On the contrary, those with OCPD find it difficult to express their feelings as well as forming close relationships with others.
Treatment
A common treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapy sessions will be arranged with professional mental health counsellors. This provides people with OCD or OCPD a platform to talk through their struggles and feelings. Short-term medication can also be prescribed to ease depressive symptoms. Being accepting and understanding towards people with OCD/OCPD is the best way to help them. Remember that it is part of their character which cannot be changed easily by others.