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Personality

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

A preoccupation with order, perfectionism and control, which undermines flexibility and efficiency. It's different from OCD.

Common signs

Perfectionism that stops tasks being finishedRigidity and need for controlExcessive devotion to work

Tips

For you

  1. Practise "good enough"
  2. Delegate tasks and accept they may be done differently
  3. Plan leisure time

For family and friends

  1. Value what's done even if it isn't perfect
  2. Plan leisure time together

When to ask for help

  1. If perfectionism wears you out
  2. If there are frequent conflicts at home or work

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I worry a lot about order and details
2. My perfectionism stops me finishing tasks
3. I devote almost all my time to work
4. I'm very strict about morals or rules
5. I find it hard to throw away worthless things
6. I find it hard to delegate if it isn't done my way
7. I'm very careful with money, even excessively
8. Others see me as rigid or stubborn
Also take the full stress test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveConfederación SALUD MENTAL ESPAÑA (Spanish mental health confederation)Free external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Paranoid personality disorderPersonalitySchizoid personality disorderPersonalitySchizotypal personality disorderPersonalityAntisocial personality disorderPersonality

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.