Is Perfection The Same As Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? Here's The Difference

Illustration of the difference between ocd and perfectionist (iStockphoto)

JAKARTA – Perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, one of which is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), are often misunderstood. Both have different conditions, but still require a clinical diagnosis to assess a person experiencing it.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by recurring thoughts or obsessions and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). According to PsychCenter, someone with OCD, for example, is obsessed and worried about germs. So that the person often washes hands and cleans. Obsessions create anxiety and repetitive compulsive behaviors can make things worse.

This mental condition causes a lot of time to run out so you can't enjoy and live a productive life. The compulsive behavior of a person with OCD will vary, for example checking the door lock five times before leaving the house, wanting things to be symmetrical and precise.

The latter behavior, the desire to be symmetrical and precise, is most common in OCD. The goal is not to achieve something perfect, but compulsive repetitive behavior in an attempt to reduce obsessive thoughts.

In contrast to perfectionism, the term covers a broad range of characteristics and is not a mental disorder that can be diagnosed. That is, there are no definite clinical criteria for perfectionism. However, perfectionist people tend to have very high standards for themselves and others.

Perfectionists crave order and predictability. They want everything to be right, otherwise they will feel anxious, stressed, and tense. Those who are perfectionists are fixated on details, perfection, repeating work in a compulsive or repetitive way.

Perfectionists can also be demanding and critical of others. Perfectionism can also be driven by fears of displeasing others, of being rejected, of being criticized, and of not feeling good enough.

Some people with OCD identify themselves as perfectionists. Because they have obsessions and compulsions about neatness and order. However, according to Sharon Martin, LCSW, self-diagnosis is often wrong. Most perfectionists are not clinically diagnosed with OCD.

Martin added, perfectionism has more in common with obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCDP) than OCD. OCDP is a personality disorder that belongs to another category of mental disorders. Martin advises not to self-diagnose because criteria and clinical knowledge are needed to find solutions to mental and personality disorders.