Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is usually grouped with anxiety disorders. OCD consists of two components - obsessive thinking and compulsive actions.
The textbook example is someone who compulsively washes their hands. This person may obsess about germs or dirt. In order to stop these thoughts they wash their hands. When the thoughts return they wash their hands again. These compulsive actions can become ritualised. Rationally they know they are behaving nonsensically and become annoyed with themselves, resulting in poor self-esteem.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder is described as a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness and efficiency and present in a variety of contexts. OCD is generally treated with antidepressant medications and/or cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy.
Sufferers of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder:
Are preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization or schedules
Show perfectionism that interferes with task completion
Are excessively devoted to work and productivity
Are over conscientious and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values
Are reluctant to delegate tasks
Show rigidity and stubbornness
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy has proven to be highly effective. Clients are given the opportunity to explore behavioural patterns and thought processes, feelings, dreams and behaviour. The aim is to alleviate distress through the understanding of inner conflicts and to find new ways of dealing with them.