Let’s Clear the Air: OCPD vs. OCD

Let’s talk about something that’s often misunderstood and rarely discussed: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, or OCPD. No, it’s not the same as OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). They’re two totally different beasts, and while OCD gets most of the spotlight, OCPD quietly lurks in the background, leaving those who have it feeling misunderstood—or worse, completely overlooked.

Here’s the deal: OCPD is all about control. It’s not the compulsions or rituals that OCD is known for (like washing hands 37 times or checking the door locks repeatedly). Instead, OCPD is a mental marathon. It’s less about physical actions and more about the unrelenting need for order, perfection, and control, particularly in hypothetical scenarios.

Imagine living in a constant state of “what if.” What if something goes wrong? What if you didn’t do thattask perfectly? What if everyone thinks you’re irresponsible because you didn’t triple-check your work? With OCPD, the mental gymnastics are exhausting. It’s not about a fear of germs or specific triggers—it’s about creating (and often suffering through) imaginary scenarios where everything falls apart if you’re not completely in control.

This isn’t just about being “organized” or “a perfectionist.” It’s about feeling like you must be the one steering the ship at all times, even if the waters are calm. The fear of mistakes, failure, or chaos runs so deep that it can affect relationships, work, and day-to-day life. And because it’s all internal, OCPD often goes unnoticed or is mistaken for someone just being “bossy” or “high-strung.”

Here’s where it gets tricky: people often confuse OCPD with OCD because of the name. Let’s break it down:

• OCD is marked by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to manage anxiety. It’s like feeling compelled to check the stove 10 times before leaving the house.

• OCPD, on the other hand, is about personality traits and thought patterns. It’s about needing control over everything—not because of a specific fear, but because that’s how your brain is wired.

OCD sufferers know their thoughts or actions don’t make sense. With OCPD, it’s different. Those with OCPD often believe their way of thinking is completely logical and may not even realize it’s a disorder. After all, who doesn’t want to be responsible, thorough, and in control?

OCPD isn’t talked about much, and that’s a problem. I was diagnosed with OCPD just a couple of years ago. Why so late? Because honestly, it wasn’t something people really knew about or talked about until recently. For years, I thought I was just overly responsible, overly organized, or just too much. Sound familiar? It wasn’t until a professional sat me down and explained what was going on in my brain that everything finally made sense.

It’s easy to dismiss someone with OCPD as “type A” or “a perfectionist,” but the reality is so much deeper. It’s about battling an internal need to keep everything in check, even when it’s impossible. It’s about suffering more in imagination than in reality.

This lack of awareness can make it hard for people with OCPD to seek help. After all, if no one’s talking about it, how do you even know it’s something you’re dealing with?

OCPD is more than just being overly organized or wanting things done “your way.” It’s a mental health condition that deserves recognition, understanding, and compassion. If you or someone you know seems to be struggling with control issues, rigidity, or an overwhelming need for perfection, take a step back and consider the possibility of OCPD.

Because when we start talking about the tough, uncomfortable topics, we open the door for understanding—and that’s where real change begins.

If this is resonating with you or someone you love, there’s hope. Therapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy) can help you identify and challenge those rigid thought patterns. And there’s a fantastic resource that’s all about educating and supporting people with OCPD: ocpd.org.