This disorder tends to occur in families and thus may have a genetic component. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder most often occurs in men. It should not be confused with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is another psychiatric condition that shares some symptoms with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

People with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder believe that their preoccupations are appropriate. They tend to be high achievers and have a sense of urgency about their actions. They may become extremely upset if others disturb their rigidly ordered routines.

A person with this personality disorder has symptoms of perfectionism that usually begin in early adulthood. This perfectionism may interfere with the person's ability to complete a given task because the rigid standards cannot be upheld. People with this disorder may emotionally withdraw when they are not able to control a situation.

Some of the common signs of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder include:

• Perfectionism
• Inflexibility
• Preoccupation with details, rules, and lists
• Reluctance to allow others to do things
• Excessive devotion to work
• Restricted expression of affection
• Lack of generosity
• Inability to throw things away, even if there is no value in the object

Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Prozac) may help reduce obsessions and compulsions. Cognitive/behavioral therapy may also help, and medications in combination with talk therapy may be more effective than either treatment alone.

The outlook for people with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder tends to be better than that of other personality disorders. The self-imposed rigidness and control of people with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder may prevent many of the complications -- such as drug abuse -- that are common to the other personality disorders.

However, the social isolation common with this illness may eventually lead to feelings of depression later in life.

• Relationship difficulties
• Depression

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if an attitude of perfectionism is interfering with employment or relationships.