Review Question - QID 105796

Preoccupation with order and control is characteristic of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

OCPD is a Cluster C personality disorder. Patients' attitudes are characterized by a need for perfection, over-attention to detail, and insistence on following rules, often to the point that such behavior has a negative functional impact. Patients with OCPD display ego syntonic behavior and believe their behavior is useful, while patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) understand their behavior is irrational (ego dystonic behavior).

Angstman et al. review personality disorders, noting a prevalence of OCPD of roughly 2.4% in the general population. OCPD is often confused with OCD, though in contrast to OCD, traits of OCPD can sometimes be adaptive. OCPD can be treated with SSRIs to relieve anxiety; brief inpatient stays have shown benefit as well.

Oleski et al. examine the relationship between Cluster C personality disorders and major depression using data from an epidemiological survey of 35,000 patients. They find that Cluster C personality disorders predispose patients to major depression and are likely to exacerbate major depressive symptoms in affected patients.

Illustration A diagrams the Cluster C personality disorders.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 2: Recurring thoughts (obsessions) partly relieved by repetitive actions (compulsions) are characteristic features of OCD. OCD is an Axis I diagnosis, not a personality disorder.
Answer 3: Hypersensitivity to rejection is characteristic of avoidant personality disorder.
Answer 4: Submissive and clinging behavior is characteristic of dependent personality disorder.
Answer 5: Excessive emotionality and excitability is characteristic of histrionic personality disorder.