Posted by Ron Hill on January 25, 2005, at 21:19:13
In reply to Re: Ron: Quick Question about Lamictal, Thank You » Ron Hill, posted by SLS on January 25, 2005, at 6:20:50
> Hi Ron.
>
> > Bipolar II and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Traits
>
> My bipolar disorder is kind of a strange one that doesn't fit into either I or II. However, I have had to deal with perfectionism. Do you think your obsessiveness might be perfectionism?
>
>
> - Scott
>
>Scott,
Perfectionism is definitely part of it. Obsessive Compulsive Personality Traits is more commonly referred to as Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). But OCPD is not to be confused with OCD. For example, no frequent hand washing in OCPD.
I have a very mild case of OCPD and several of the criteria listed in DSM-IV are not applicable to my case. Sometimes I wonder if my OCPD symptoms are merely coping mechanisms that I have unconsciously implemented to compensate for my bipolar II brain chemistry problems. In other words, as a BP II, I desperately need order and structure in my life in order to function. And perhaps my OCPD traits are merely the outward signs of the mechanism that my brain has implemented so as to facilitate the needed structure and order. However, I'm sure it's not that simple. For example, I suspect there is also a genetic component to the OCPD.
Here are the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for OCPD:
Diagnostic criteria for 301.4 Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
A pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:(1) is preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost
(2) shows perfectionism that interferes with task completion (e.g., is unable to complete a project because his or her own overly strict standards are not met)
(3) is excessively devoted to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships (not accounted for by obvious economic necessity)
(4) is overconscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values (not accounted for by cultural or religious identification)
(5) is unable to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value
(6) is reluctant to delegate tasks or to work with others unless they submit to exactly his or her way of doing things
(7) adopts a miserly spending style toward both self and others; money is viewed as something to be hoarded for future catastrophes
(8) shows rigidity and stubbornness
Reprinted with permission from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Copyright 2000 American Psychiatric Association
Scott, just so you know, I'll be gone for a couple of weeks. So if you reply, it may be a while before I get back to you. Be well, my friend! :-)
poster:Ron Hill
thread:441138
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050124/msgs/447770.html