Understanding the Connection Between OCD and Perfectionism
Phrases like “You must have OCD” are often thrown around as some type of joke when someone calls another person out for being a bit “type A” or overly detailed or organized. OCD—or any other mental health condition—is not a joking matter.
In reality, mental health disorders are often misunderstood and this misunderstanding can lead to a person struggling or finding it even more challenging to make it through their day. While the above character traits can be signs and symptoms of OCD, not everyone who shares these traits actually has OCD.
A personality trait with a connection to OCD is called perfectionism. Maybe you find yourself having a specific place for every single item on your desk. Are the clothes hanging in your closet color-coded or organized by sleeve length and/or season? What about your calendar? Is your entire day filled with meetings, including blocks of time that you carved out to commute to and from work, take breaks, eat, and sleep?
OCD and perfectionism often go hand in hand. In fact, some signs and symptoms are even shared by the two conditions. Let’s learn more about the connection between OCD and perfectionism.
What Is Perfectionism?
Perfectionism is a personality trait that includes having extremely high expectations and standards of oneself and others. While it’s a great trait to want to do your best, perfectionism can be harmful to a person and can even lead to other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
What Is OCD?
OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD is a mental health condition that involves unwanted and persistent fears or obsessions followed by ritualistic behaviors or compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions can interfere with someone’s daily functioning and routine.
The Similarities
While perfectionism and OCD tend to share some similarities and connections, OCD is classified as a mental health condition. In contrast, perfectionism is classified as a personality trait. Perfectionism and OCD are often seen as being closely connected. In fact, perfectionism can be a core component of OCD, especially “just right OCD,” where a person strives for perfectionism in their tasks or situations that come up in their life. Here are some more examples of the key similarities between OCD and perfectionism.
Characteristics
Perfectionism and OCD share similar characteristics. Both involve feelings of high anxiety, especially when feeling like a mistake was made. These individuals will be fearful of negative consequences if things in their life don’t go according to plan or appear to be “just right.”
Impact on One’s Life
Both OCD and perfectionism can cause issues in other areas of a person’s daily life and routine. These conditions and traits can make it more difficult for a person to function normally throughout the day. Their personal life, careers, and relationships can be impacted.
Intrusive Thoughts
While intrusive thoughts and compulsions are often seen in individuals who have OCD, some of these compulsions are actually known as perfectionistic tendencies. Perfectionistic tendencies can be seen in individuals struggling with OCD as a way to temporarily provide relief for some of the anxiety they may be experiencing. These are just a few of the different ways that perfectionism can actually manifest in an individual who has OCD.
- Arranging, ordering, and organizing
- Checking or rechecking behaviors
- Excessive cleaning or washing
Many individuals who have OCD may show signs of perfectionism. That being said, not everyone who is a perfectionist has OCD.
How to Get Help
No matter if you’re struggling with OCD, perfectionism, or a combination of the two, you’re not alone and help is available to you. If you’re interested in learning more about how OCD therapy can be beneficial to you, reach out today to get started.