| Abstract [eng] |
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder are two distinct diagnoses, differing in specific etiology, symptoms, diagnostic criteria and treatment methods. However, similarities can be found between these two disorders where both involve overly rigid patterns of thinking and behaviour. Research has noted that person’s loss of sense of control that prevails as uncontrollable and obsessive behaviour that is demonstrated in both conditions. Obsessive compulsive disorder characterized by intrusive and persistent thoughts (obsessions) and/or uncontrollable, persistent behaviour (compulsions) as well as an obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by perfectionism, preoccupation with order and control. Obsessions can be of various origins: religious, sexual, manifested as an unreasonable fear of contamination or as a desire to put things in a specific, symmetrical order. However, this study notes that obsessive compulsive disorder obsessions are related to compulsions like: frequent hand washing, specific counting methods, repetition of things. Whereas people that suffer with obsessive-compulsive personality are more drawn towards perfectionism, preoccupation with order and control and possibly less repetition in their behaviour. Finally, this study found that a form of therapy can be effective when treating both disorders, where obsessive-compulsive disorder is explored via cognitive-behavioural therapy and obsessive-compulsive personality include psychotherapy, lifestyle and behaviour modification. Interestingly treatments using medication are more often offered for obsessive-compulsive disorder whereas obsessive-compulsive personality patient would be medicated only if appears to be heavily symptomatic. The diagnosis of these two conditions can be problematic, so it is necessary to take into account the factors that influence it: the problem of personal assessment, similar symptoms, comorbidity, cultural and religious factors. |
