Characteristics Of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Have you heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

In our world today, we, at least quite often,  evaluate and reinforce types of behavior in relation to work and productivity results. Being a perfectionist, meticulous, organized and competent, is very attractive in the job market. Therefore, people with these traits tend to be promoted to more responsible positions.

Well,  people with an obsessive or compulsive style often fit in very well.  They not only like to do things well, but to do the best.  They are not known for taking much time off. Their thought process views relaxation and fun as something that occupies important time that could have been spent productively and created progress.

Characteristics in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder usually measure how satisfied they are with their behavior based on their forms and their values ​​before looking at results.

These people rarely let go of their instincts or immediate reactions. Most of the answers they give come from deep reflection. They do not like to take chances, so they plan, arrange and classify what they want instead.

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (or obsessive-compulsive disorder) often keep useless things because they think “who knows, maybe I will need it one day”. They may spend much less time with family and caring for other relationships. Still, they tend to make sure that their loved ones have all their basic needs covered and that they are well taken care of.

When obsessive personality traits are taken to the extreme, maladaptive behaviors will result in their actions becoming ineffective or impractical. In addition, they will seriously disturb the person suffering from it their life. In this case, we are talking about obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive compulsive personality style: the perfectionist

The difference between a perfectionist personality and an obsessive personality disorder lies in the severity of the symptoms. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are so accurate that it often creates problems both at work and in private life. 

When this perfectionism disrupts daily life, it is an obsessive personality disorder. On the other hand, Western societies appreciate perfectionism as a personality style. Individuality, competence and career advancement are fundamental values ​​in these cultures.

Developed countries

Compulsive personality style seems to be more common in developed societies, not cultures that are generally more organized and disciplined. Characteristics such as efficiency, punctuality, endurance, hard work and accuracy are an advantage.

Spending countless hours of overtime in the office to complete a job is rewarding. It often also gives employees promotions to better positions. So  in general, it is considered that the more one works, the better it is for the company.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and self-discipline

A person with a compulsive personality  has a lot of self-discipline  (or a strong “superego” if we look at it from the psychoanalytic perspective). It is the intellect and not emotions that govern this type of person. In addition, they are usually quite secluded and not very bubbly.

They are exposed to stress when their behavior fits a type A pattern, making it difficult for them to relax and enjoy life. Having free time without planned activities can make them more nervous than a schedule full of deadlines.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and relationship

When it comes to relationships, these people are usually good companions. They are faithful, responsible and take good care of their partners. They still do this in a very unromantic way and show little emotion. They are basically practical.

Due to their reserved style  , they are a good match for dramatizing people  (the most flowing and dramatic of the personality types). Compulsive personalities are attracted to dramatic personalities because they make them feel more active and alive. At the same time, a dramatizing personality can find a compulsive personality attractive because it gives them the stability they need.

The compulsive personality type often also gets along well with antisocial, avoidant, dependent and self-destructive types. On the other hand, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder usually do not get along very well with people with the same type of personality, or those who are narcissistic, paranoid or sadistic.

How can you relate to an obsessive-compulsive type?

When interacting with people diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Oldham and Morris (1995) suggest some behaviors that will improve the relationship. They recommend a good sense of humor and a lot of tolerance.  One should let the compulsive person do what they do. Be flexible and let them do what they feel they need to, as long as you do not strongly dislike it.

Do not expect them to change by themselves. As they are skeptical of new things, someone else has to suggest changes. In addition, their lack of caresses can be demotivating, but remember that they just do not show it on the outside. It in no way indicates that they do not feel anything inside.

Power struggles are not effective with people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, as they are very good at quarreling. Experts recommend that you listen to them and try to understand them. In a relationship, a compulsive person will tend to take control of the small details.

In short, obsessive-compulsive disorder looks like  perfectionism, an excessive dedication to work, inflexibility, and an inability to get rid of useless things. Relationships with this type of personality can be difficult unless one remembers the things we mentioned above.