OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder)
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS OCPD?
OCPD is short for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. This is a mental health disorder whereby the individual is obsessed with neatness, perfectionism, tidiness and order. An OCPD individual will force their views and standards on others.
An individual with OCPD believes that their way and method of doing things is correct. They do not believe there is anything wrong with the way they think, behave, and do things.
Males are twice as likely to have OCPD than females.
Children with OCPD are regarded as children with special educational needs.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH OCPD DISPLAY?
Some of the symptoms a child with OCPD may show are:
- They are obsessed with lists, order, details, rules and regulations.
- They can be strict on moral and ethical codes
- Major attention to detail.
- They can be formal
- They are unable to be flexible. They are rigid in their behaviour and thoughts.
- They find it hard to make friends.
- They can find it hard to show their feelings.
- They find it hard to be affectionate
- They lack generosity
- They do not trust others to do things so they cannot delegate work
- Extremely punctual
- They can hoard
- They can be righteous about the way things are done.
- They often cannot finish tasks because of their obsession with perfectionism.
- A strong internal drive to accomplish and to do so as close to perfectly as possible.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE OCPD BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
The exact cause of OCPD is unknown however, scientists believe there is a genetic link so it can be an inherited mental health condition.
Stress tends to increase the risk of a child getting OCPD.
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF OCPD?
Young children can experience OCPD however most children show signs in their teenage years.
CAN OCPD GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
OCPD once diagnosed can be managed and controlled with treatment. It cannot be cured. It cannot also be prevented.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OCPD?
There are 4 types of OCPD. They are:
1. Teacher or leader OCPD – This individual can be controlling, a bully, rigid, and authoritative. They believe their way is the only way. They can have a god complex.
2. Doer or worker OCPD – This individual is a workaholic to the extent that they can neglect themselves and their relationships. They can have a hero complex. They overstretch themselves.
3. Servant or friend OCPD – This individual is a people pleaser. They can be extremely attentive to the needs of others. They can have a sacrificial complex.
4. Thinker or planner OCPD – This individual will spend so much time planning and thinking that they do not get anything done. They do not achieve and take risks. They can procrastinate and be obsessed with the finer details.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS OCPD?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for OCPD. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS OCPD CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from OCPD can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has OCPD you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has OCPD.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has OCPD. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has OCPD and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.