Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder facts for kids

Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder. It's a way of thinking and behaving that makes people very focused on rules, order, and being perfect. People with OCPD might feel worried or upset when things aren't exactly how they think they should be. This can lead them to create strict routines and rules for themselves and those around them.

Understanding OCPD

OCPD is different from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). While both involve strong thoughts and behaviors, OCPD is about a person's overall personality and how they see the world, rather than specific obsessions and compulsions.

Signs of OCPD

People with OCPD often pay a lot of attention to small details, rules, lists, and schedules. They like things to be very organized. It can be hard for them to change their minds once they've decided on something. They are often perfectionists, meaning they want everything they do to be just right. Because of this, they might find it hard to let other people help, worrying that others won't do things perfectly.

Perfectionism and Daily Life

Sometimes, people with OCPD spend so much time trying to make something perfect that they don't finish it on time. For example, they might spend hours organizing their desk before starting a project, which then makes them late.

Some people with OCPD also have a strong need for cleanliness. However, others might be very organized in their minds but not always follow through with cleaning if they have other "more important" tasks. For instance, someone might be very focused on finishing a work project, and their home might become messy. But if that project ends, they might then become very focused on cleaning and organizing their home.

OCPD and Relationships

Relationships with friends and family can sometimes be difficult for people with OCPD. This is because they often feel they know the "right" way to do things and want to be in charge. If others don't do things their way, people with OCPD can become very frustrated or upset. They might also worry a lot about things going wrong and save money very carefully, just in case.

People with OCPD often see things as either completely right or completely wrong, and they believe their way is always right. This can make it hard to work with others or understand different points of view. They might also experience feelings of sadness or depression.

Other Things to Know

When people with OCPD feel very anxious or excited, they might show physical signs like tics (small, sudden movements), making faces, or making noises. They might also do things that seem surprising or unplanned.

Images for kids

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  Sigmund Freud, 1921

See also

In Spanish: Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo de la personalidad para niños