Which personality disorder is defined by a lack of true obsessions or compulsions, but behavioral rigidity?

Which personality disorder is defined by a lack of true obsessions or compulsions, but behavioral rigidity?

• A. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
• B. Dependent Personality Disorder
• C. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• D. Histrionic Personality Disorder

Answer: (A)

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control over oneself and one’s environment, at the expense of flexibility and efficiency. Individuals with OCPD exhibit behavioral rigidity and have difficulty dealing with change or uncertainty; however, they do not experience true obsessions or compulsions as seen in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In contrast to OCPD, other personality disorders listed involve different core features. Dependent Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, resulting in submissive and clinging behaviors. Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves a pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, and is not marked by rigidity in behavior related to order or control. Histrionic Personality Disorder is defined by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors, which also do not focus on behavioral rigidity and control. The distinct features of OCPD, particularly the emphasis on rigidity and a lack of true obsessions or compulsions, clearly identify it as the correct answer to the question.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control over oneself and one’s environment, at the expense of flexibility and efficiency. Individuals with OCPD exhibit behavioral rigidity and have difficulty dealing with change or uncertainty; however, they do not experience true obsessions or compulsions as seen in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

In contrast to OCPD, other personality disorders listed involve different core features. Dependent Personality Disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, resulting in submissive and clinging behaviors. Narcissistic Personality Disorder involves a pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, and is not marked by rigidity in behavior related to order or control. Histrionic Personality Disorder is defined by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors, which also do not focus on behavioral rigidity and control.

The distinct features of OCPD, particularly the emphasis on rigidity and a lack of true obsessions or compulsions, clearly identify it as the correct answer to the question.