OCPD and OCD sound very similar, but they’re two different things. Here are some key differences between the two.

OCPD and OCD symptoms can overlap (e.g. excessive perfectionism is both a potential OCD theme and a central feature of OCPD, and both OCD and OCPD often involve rigid and inflexible behaviour) but its important to not confuse between the two.

One big difference between OCD and OCPD is that someone who had OCD is often highly distressed by their symptoms, while someone with OCPD might not see their symptoms as a problem, even if they impair their ability to perform.

Here are a few salient points on OCD :
– can be about any topic.
– compulsions are performed in an attempt to reduce distress caused by unwanted thoughts.
– ego-dystonic : obsessions and compulsions are distressing and not aligned with sense of self.
– often related to a need for certainty.

Here are a few salient points on OCPD:
– a personality disorder
– symptoms are consistent with the person’s sense of self and worldview
– often related to a need for control
– preoccupation with order, perfection and control
– often a lack of self-awareness about behaviour

Here’s are the commonality between the two
– rigidity in behaviour
– symptoms impair ability to function
– can contribute to depression and anxiety
– can lead to social isolation

Despite sounding similar, OCD and OCPD are two different things.

Those with OCPD often do not a see a problem with their inflexibility or rigidity, and they might not view these things as unwanted. Someone with OCPD might also get angry, when others don’t adhere to their standards.

With OCD, the person is distressed by unwanted thoughts and performs compulsions to (temporarily) reduce this distress.

The obsessions and compulsions are not aligned with their worldview or sense of self, which can cause more anxiety.

Someone with OCD is aware of how their behaviour is impacting them, but they struggle with stopping the compulsive behaviour.

OCPD is often treated with talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy.

The gold standard treatment for OCD, on the other hand, is exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) that helps you break free from the obsessive-complusive cycle.

Comment down below if you learned something new today – or if there’s something you’d like to add.