The Best Personality Disorder 7:2

SOUL- 

There are different types of personality disorders. They are organized into groups of clusters A, B, and C.

Cluster A- Odd or eccentric behavior

• Schizoid Personality Disorder
• Paranoid Personality Disorder
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Cluster B- Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Behavior

• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Histrionic Personality Disorder

Cluster C- Anxious, Fearful Behavior

• Avoidant Personality Disorder
• Dependent Personality Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

We are all trying to diagnose ourselves, and when I first heard of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I thought that I could see some of my own characteristics described. My symptoms however are not disabling or persistent, therefore, I do not meet the criteria for this personality disorder. This disorder should not be confused with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They are two separate disorders.

Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder are so focused on order and perfection that their lack of flexibility interferes with productivity and effiiciency. They have a chronic preoccupation with rules, orderliness, and control. When they lose control they either emotionally withdraw and remove themselves from the situation and/or become angry. They are usually workaholics and have a strong work ethic and devotion to work.  Inflexibility, perfectionism, preoccupation with detail effect the individual's ability to complete a given task. They prefer to work alone and fear that if they delegate the work, it will not be done correctly. The individual experiences difficulties when confronted with new situations that demand flexibility and compromise. They feel anxious when things are not done right. They express effection in a controlled manner and are uncomfortable around others expressing their emotions. They have a diffiicult time giving compliments and expressing tender feelings.

This is a bit excessive.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition, DSM IV-TR = 301.4, defines obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (in Axis II Cluster C) as:

A pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:

1. Is preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost
2. Shows perfectionism that interferes with task completion (e.g., is unable to complete a project because his or her own overly strict standards are not met)
3. Is excessively devoted to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships (not accounted for by obvious economic necessity)
4. Is overconscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values (not accounted for by cultural or religious identification)
5. Is unable to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value
6. Is reluctant to delegate tasks or to work with others unless they submit to exactly his or her way of doing things
7. Adopts a miserly spending style toward both self and others; money is viewed as something to be hoarded for future catastrophes
8. Shows rigidity and stubbornness