Which disorder is characterized by excessive perfectionism and orderliness?

Which disorder is characterized by excessive perfectionism and orderliness?

• A. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
• B. Narcissistic personality disorder
• C. Paranoid personality disorder
• D. Histrionic personality disorder

Answer: (A)

Traits of rigidity, perfectionism, and a strong need for order across many areas of life point to obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. In this pattern, people are preoccupied with details, rules, and schedules and often insist that things be done a certain way, sometimes at the expense of flexibility or efficiency. They usually view their own behavior as appropriate and desirable, which helps explain why these traits are long-standing and resistant to change. This distinguishes it from obsessive-compulsive disorder, where distress comes from intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that the person recognizes as unreasonable. The other disorders involve different central features: narcissistic personality disorder centers on grandiosity and a need for admiration; paranoid personality disorder on pervasive distrust; and histrionic personality disorder on attention-seeking and dramatic behavior—none focuses on perfectionism or orderliness. Therefore, the description best fits obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Traits of rigidity, perfectionism, and a strong need for order across many areas of life point to obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. In this pattern, people are preoccupied with details, rules, and schedules and often insist that things be done a certain way, sometimes at the expense of flexibility or efficiency. They usually view their own behavior as appropriate and desirable, which helps explain why these traits are long-standing and resistant to change. This distinguishes it from obsessive-compulsive disorder, where distress comes from intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that the person recognizes as unreasonable. The other disorders involve different central features: narcissistic personality disorder centers on grandiosity and a need for admiration; paranoid personality disorder on pervasive distrust; and histrionic personality disorder on attention-seeking and dramatic behavior—none focuses on perfectionism or orderliness. Therefore, the description best fits obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.