Perfectionism in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Theoretical and anecdotal evidence suggests a link between Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and perfectionism.
• Previous research has supported this hypothesis in non-clinical populations.
• However, empirical data on perfectionism levels in diagnosed OCD patients were lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the levels of perfectionism in patients diagnosed with OCD.
• To compare perfectionism levels between OCD patients, non-patient controls, and patients with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia (PDA).

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design was employed.
• Perfectionism levels were assessed in three groups: patients with OCD, non-patient controls, and patients with PDA.
• Specific measures included Total Perfectionism, Concern Over Mistakes, and Doubts About Actions.

Main Results:

• Patients with OCD demonstrated significantly higher scores on Total Perfectionism, Concern Over Mistakes, and Doubts About Actions compared to non-patient controls.
• OCD patients did not differ from PDA patients in Total Perfectionism or Concern Over Mistakes.
• However, OCD patients exhibited higher scores for Doubts About Actions than PDA patients.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the hypothesis that OCD is associated with elevated perfectionism.
• Perfectionism, particularly doubts about actions, may play a role in OCD and potentially other anxiety disorders like PDA.
• Further research is warranted to explore the nuances of perfectionism across different anxiety disorders.