title: Obsessive-compulsive personality traits: how are they related to OCD severity?
abstract: Previous research has demonstrated that comorbid obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with greater overall OCD severity, functional impairment, and poorer treatment outcomes (Coles et al., 2008; Lochner et al., 2010; Pinto, 2009). However, research has only examined the effects of OCPD categorically and has yet to thoroughly examine the impact of individual OCPD characteristics dimensionally. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the relationships between various OCPD-related dimensions (e.g., perfectionism, rigidity) and OCD symptomology and severity. The study recruited a sample of OCD patients (n=51) in the OCD units of two residential treatment facilities. Findings yielded significant relationships between OCD severity and the following OCPD dimensions: flexibility, doubts about actions (a dimension of perfectionism), and hoarding. Interpretations of these results and the implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcome are discussed. Furthermore, the current study provides insight into a unique perspective which leaves room for more symptom overlap and variability between OCD and OCPD.
authors.affiliation: University of Houston-Clear Lake, United States; The Houston OCD Program, United States. wetterneck@uhcl.edu
authors.forename: Chad T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Wetterneck
authors.forename: Tannah E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Little
authors.forename: Gregory S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Chasson
authors.forename: Angela H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: Melinda A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stanley
authors.forename: Thröstur
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Björgvinsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003193:Compulsive Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D000067836:Hoarding Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D010551:Personality; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012720:Severity of Illness Index