Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder Affective Issues

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Despite their elaborate defenses, individuals with OCPD tend to have one of the most troubled personality styles in terms of psychiatric symptoms. Their cognitive and behavioral organization make them susceptible to the full range of affective disorders. They are plagued by both their own exacting standards and the high expectations they perceive others to hold for them (Millon, 1996, p. 205).

Individuals with OCPD are vulnerable to distress in situations in which they are unable to maintain control over their physical or interpersonal environment (DSM-IV, 1994, p. 670). Even if they are in a benign and accepting environment, they will either undo their chances for satisfaction or simply be unable to experience contentment. They are beset by a severe internal conflict that they can neither escape nor resolve. They believe they must find a place in society that is judged by others as responsible and productive; on the other hand, the more they adapt, the more they feel angry and resentful (Millon, 1981, p. 216). Their anger is often expressed indirectly, sometimes through rumination (DSM-IV, 1994, p. 671).

Individuals with OCPD proceed through each day meticulously following their routines. The rigidity of their behavior is necessary if they are to successfully control their seething antagonism. If they deviate from absolute adherence to rules and regulations, their anger may burst out of control and they risk exposing to others the resentment they really feel (Millon, 1981, p. 218). Richards (1993, p. 255) also suggests that people with OCPD are emotionally restricted because they fear an uncontrolled outburst of their own aggression -- leading to rejection by significant others. McWilliams (1994, p. 282) believes that the basic affective conflict in the OCPD is between rage and fear - rage at being controlled and fear of being punished.

Sperry (1995, p. 138) describes the OCPD emotional style as grim, angry, frustrated, and irritable. Individuals with OCPD are prone to depression, especially as they get older (Frances, et.al., 1995, p. 379). Millon (1996, pp. 205-207) also notes the OCPD vulnerability to major depression in later life. These individuals, who are conscientious, hardworking, and well-integrated into society are vulnerable to loss; they are sharply aware of their declining abilities and decreasing productivity as they age. They respond to these changes with self-punitive and self-denigrating thoughts. As they face the final years of their careers or approach retirement, they are confronted by the realization that they will not attain their all of their life goals nor will they meet their own standards of excellence. Another potential issue in the late onset of depression for individuals with OCPD is the barrenness of their existence after giving up so much of themselves to their rigid conformity. Major depression in individuals with OCPD tends to have an agitated and apprehensive quality.

Individuals with OCPD are also quite vulnerable to anxiety. They fear making mistakes and facing punishment for being less than perfect. They appear to have learned that there is a sanctioned but limited sphere of acceptable conduct. Benjamin (1993, pp. 246-251) suggests that OCPD developmental history may have included relentless coercion to perform correctly and follow the rules, regardless of the personal cost. As children, individuals with OCPD were punished for failure and were given few, if any, rewards for success. The most they could hope for was to avoid criticism or punishment. It was an environment of little warmth; the emphasis was on control. As adults, these individuals have learned to reduce their level of anxiety by incorporating this control. They restrict their activities to those that are permitted by the more powerful and potentially rejecting others. They adhere carefully to rules so that they do not engage in unacceptable behavior (Millon & Davis, Clarkin & Lenzenweger, editors, 1996, p. 299). Part of the reason that unstructured activities or situations are so anxiety-provoking for individuals with OCPD is the lack of safety involved in not knowing the rules of conduct or what behavior will ensure safety.

continue: OCPD Defenses

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Reviewed: 04/2006