Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Obsession and compulsion are two characteristics that can be lived with without major problems. However, there are people who suffer from it obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, a disease that affects daily life as a consequence of the general concern that the person feels for order, perfectionism and control. As, It’s important to know yours symptoms, how to diagnose it and what treatment to perform.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, also known as OCD, can be extremely taxing on the person suffering from it, and it is also common to notice that people they begin to isolate themselves when they suffer from it. These uncontrollable habits can quickly cause depression in a person if it is not treated with the importance it deserves.

It is estimated that approx From 2.1 to 7.9% of the world’s population suffers from this disorder obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, although it is more common among men. Furthermore, some family traits of compulsion, narrow range of emotions, and perfectionism also contribute to the onset of this disorder.

As for its diagnosis, the Mayo Clinic health site explains that “sometimes it’s difficult diagnose the disorder obsessive-compulsive because the symptoms may resemble those of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, or other mental health disorders.

In this sense, he published a list of steps to “help diagnose OCD”:

• Psychological evaluation. This includes talking about your thoughts, feelings, symptoms and behavior patterns to determine if you have any obsessions or compulsive behaviors that are interfering with your quality of life. If you allow it, this may include talking to your family or friends.
• Diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Your doctor may use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
• Physical exam. This may be done to rule out other problems that may be causing symptoms and to check for any related complications.

Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder

For its part, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) specifies that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder may have obsessions, compulsions, or both.

Therefore, to detect its symptoms it is essential to know what the symptoms of obsession are:

• Fear of germs or contamination;
• Fear of forgetting, losing or misplacing something;
• Fear of losing control over one’s behavior;
• Aggressive thoughts towards others or yourself;
• Unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts related to sex, religion, or harm;
• Desire to have things in a symmetrical or perfect order.

As far as compulsions go, these tend to be repetitive behaviors that the person feels the need to do, without having total control of the situation. Generally, this happens in response to an obsession. Among the most common symptoms of him are:

• Cleaning or washing your hands excessively;
• Sort or organize items in a particular and precise way;
• Repeatedly checking things, such as making sure the door is locked or the oven is turned off;
• Compulsive counting;
• Pray or repeat the words silently.

How is obsessive-compulsive disorder treated?

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder has a treatment. It should be done with a mental health professional, who will determine whether it should be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

Although there is no cure to overcome this disorder, good treatment with medical follow-up can help better control the symptoms, solive a life without so much stress and anxiety.

“It’s important to follow your treatment plan because both psychotherapy and medications can take some time to start working.”

“Although there is no cure for obsessive-compulsive disorder, treatments help people check your symptoms, carry out daily activities and lead a full and active life,” explains the NIMH.