Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is different than OCD. Its hallmark traits of perfectionism and the need for control can sometimes lead to intense feelings of anger.

OCPD is a personality disorder. Though OCD differs from OCPD, some symptoms can overlap.

OCPD generally relates to severe perfectionism, rigid following of rules, and a need for order. When these symptoms start to interfere with a person’s life, a doctor may diagnose OCPD.

According to DSM-5, these eight traits are seen in OCPD:

  • perfectionism
  • preoccupation with details
  • excessive devotion to work
  • excessive conscientiousness
  • unwillingness to discard useless objects
  • inability to delegate
  • frugal with money
  • stubbornness and rigidity

OCPD is a common condition, often appearing in later adolescence or early adulthood. The symptoms affect everyday life, often making tasks difficult to complete and impacting relationships.

For example, people may find it difficult if someone else interferes with their strict routines and can find it hard to express anger directly. Instead, they may experience anxiety or frustration.

In some cases, however, individuals with OCPD may experience outbursts of anger, which can occur at home or at work.

If you have OCPD, you may experience what’s called dichotomous, or “black-and white”, thinking, which means you find it hard to see things in any other way than either “right” or “wrong”.

This often includes the behaviors of others as well as your own. It may feel as though only one right way exists, and you might get frustrated if someone tries to do things in another way.

Often, these feelings stem from a need for control and a fear of not meeting certain high or unattainable standards that you have set for yourself and others.

These feelings of anxiety and uncertainty can culminate in anger that may feel hard to control at times.

However, there are some strategies you can try to help reduce your anger outbursts and overwhelming feelings. These can help you feel calmer and improve your relationships with others.

They may include:

There is no specific medication to treat OCPD, but there may be medications that can help you manage associated symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

It’s possible that a genetic element may contribute to OCPD, as it appears to run in families. However, this could also mean that childhood and environment are involved, and it’s potentially due to a combination of the two.

OCPD tends to be seen in men more often than women.

Treatment for anger related to OCPD is often part of the overall treatment of OCPD.

It’s important to know that OCPD is not a fixed personality condition and does seem to be treatable. However, evidence is lacking regarding the gold standard of treatment for this condition.

Psychotherapy

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that may be a possible treatment for you if you have OCPD. In fact, CBT is considered the most effective OCPD treatment.

CBT can help you identify unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to your feelings of anger and lead to certain behaviors.

A therapist will work with you during your CBT treatment to help you replace certain thoughts with more balanced ones over time.

Psychodynamic therapy can also be helpful to find out the underlying causes of your beliefs and why you may carry out certain behaviors or have certain thoughts.

Other types of psychotherapy that may be useful include schema therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Medication

SSRI medications can also help treat OCPD and related anger, though individual responses to different SSRIs can vary. Fluvoxamine and fluoxetine are the most studied SSRIs for OCPD. However, evidence is limited, and sometimes, a bit of trial and error is needed to find the right medication that works for you.

Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers may also be a possible treatment option; however, evidence is limited on the effectiveness of medications on OCPD.

You can discuss your options with a medical professional to find the right treatment plan for you. Often, a combination of medication and therapy works best.

Relaxation techniques

Some strategies you might like to try on your own for anger and OCPD can include certain relaxation techniques, such as:

  • breathing exercises
  • progressive muscle relaxation
  • practising gratitude and positivity
  • thought journalling
  • visualization
  • connecting with nature

OCPD is a personality disorder that can cause feelings of anger related to high standards, perfectionism, and a need for control.

It’s not the same condition as OCD, though some symptoms may overlap.

OCPD is relatively common and is treatable. Therapy, medications, and relaxation techniques can all help you manage your feelings of anxiety and anger, leading to a better quality of life and better relationships with those around you.