REVIEW ARTICLE: Psychiatric and Psychological Perspectives on the Treatment of Obsessive- Compulsive Personality Disorder: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is known as excessive control, a rigid commitment to norms, and an overarching commitment to perfectionism. Despite its prevalence, OCPD often goes undiagnosed or unnoticed, which leads to considerable impairments in quality of life and psychological functioning.
Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to examine the perspective of psychiatric and psychological treatment approaches for OCPD.
Method: This narrative review focused on literature published between 2000 and 2024, covering adult populations with OCPD across North America, Europe, and Asia. This narrative paper reviewed the different pharmacological and psychological treatment options that used to help individuals with OCPD.
Results/Review: Findings shown that psychiatric or pharmacological treatments are found beneficial, and SSRIs reduce the emotional rigidity or anxiety associated with OCPD. On the other hand, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and other new psychological therapies were also found effective. Despite numerous treatment claims, a limited empirical literature has not proven the effectiveness of any treatment for OCPD.
Conclusions: Although CBT seems to have the most empirical support as a treatment, it is promising for improving the conditions of patients with OCPD. Future studies could focus on developing standardized treatment guidelines and intervention models to enhance the quality of care for patients with OCPD. It includes an examination of relevant predictors of treatment response that could provide beneficial clinical care for patients with OCPD.