Perfectionism and OCD?
Perfectionism and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) have become buzzwords that people use to explain themselves, but what’s the difference between perfectionism and OCD? On the surface level, both look quite similar to a colleague, friend, or family member. Nevertheless, they are very different in how people are impacted in their daily lives.
How Do Perfectionism And OCD Differentiate Each Other?
OCD is a mental health disorder that can be diagnosed. There are several symptoms an individual should fulfill to get this diagnosis. Perfectionism comprises of some personality features and preferences an individual embraces and shows all over the day.
Perfectionism and OCD differ due to an individual’s capacity to suppressing bad feelings or thoughts. An obsessive-compulsive person’s behaviors and activities are uncontrolled and involuntary. They can’t control their feelings, thoughts, or behaviors.
A person should have an obsession to be diagnosed with OCD. An obsession is a persistent or repetitive image, urge, or thought. In several cases, these urges, images, or thoughts are unnecessary or cause distress.
OCD becomes an adjective when somebody wants to say they pay heed to specifics and details. The person is explaining perfectionism qualities.
Perfectionism behaviors and actions are optional and voluntary. Detail-oriented behaviors incorporated arranging one’s color coordinating, home or denying touching products in a public restroom.
Perfectionists prefer enjoying order, goal-driven and have higher expectations for them. An individual will fear rejection or failure in case they don’t present their functions or themselves as perfect.
As an outcome, the individual feels stressed because of the pressure they have put on themselves. Nevertheless, these can be marked as a perfectionist’s habits in comparison with life-blocking OCD obsessions.
Differences in Behavior
The reasoning for the behavior makes perfectionism and OCD different from each other. Individuals diagnosed with OCD have repetitive behaviors. The reason for these behaviors is an attempt to reduce worry or anxiety.
Moreover, repetitive behaviors take much time. People diagnosed with OCD are late to an appointment because they should check their house multiple times to ensure everything is fine before leaving it. Checking the house several times makes them feel less fearful and more secure.
Perfectionism activities are purposeful. It’s a way in which an individual selects to live his/her life. A perfectionist holds better standards for him/her. Things should be organized and neat for them.
Perfectionists may not adjust properly to change, which leads them to become anxious. Nevertheless, their behaviors don’t impact their daily life or seen as an obstruction.
Bottom lines
OCD differs from perfectionism in several ways. OCD describes how an individual goes about his daily life and impacts the life’s quality. Perfectionism is a feature a person embraces. The person is not distressed if the behavior is undone.
In comparison, the OCD person encounters a high level of annoyance if he/she doesn’t finish an activity to reduce an obsession. OCD becomes a harmful mental health problem for people impacted by these symptoms.
Sometimes, the unwanted behaviors cause self-loathing. Before using OCD as a person’s personality trait, remember its impacts on others and whether it appropriately explains you.