Lexicon of Madness -- Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder: Often confused with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is a far more severe disorder. People with OCPD are rigid and perfectionistic. They are obsessed with order and routine, and are distressed by spontaneity and the unexpected. Interpersonally, they are rather stiff and formal and usually have few friends. They show a marked preference for work over pleasure. OCPD is seen more frequently in males than in females. They like having rules to follow, and don't mind enforcing them. People with OCPD are sticklers for the "letter of the law," and may utterly fail to comprehend the law's "spirit." They often have strict codes of moral conduct and can be condemning of those who fail to conform accordingly. Their perfectionism often gets them into trouble because they take far too long to complete even routine tasks. They may procrastinate before starting work or not turn in work that others would have considered finished. They are intolerant of what they see as other people's sloppiness or unpredictability. They take life very seriously and don't experience much joy. Often, they experienced very harsh upbringings marked by severe punishments for minor infractions. They have internalized the unrealistically high standards set by their parents. At best, they are "oversocialized," and at worst they are terrified, even paralyzed, by life. Their dedication to work, saving money, and minimizing waste represents an attempt to erect a barrier against chaos.