OCD and Perfectionism We all want to do things right. To keep our spaces clean, to perform well at work or school, to be seen as capable and responsible. But sometimes that drive to do things “just right” can become overwhelming. That’s where the line between healthy striving and problematic perfectionism starts to blur—and for some, it may even signal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) . In this article, we’ll unpack the connection between OCD and perfectionism, how to tell them apart, why the overlap exists, and what you can do if your perfectionism is interfering with daily life. What Is Perfectionism? Perfectionism is a personality trait or tendency where a person strives for flawlessness, often setting unrealistically high standards for themselves (and sometimes for others). People with perfectionistic tendencies may feel driven to avoid mistakes, constantly redo tasks, or obsess over details. They often equate their worth with achievement or how “perfect” something tur...
An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. (source: Wikipedia ) Common examples of intrusive thoughts include unwanted, intrusive thoughts about the safety of oneself or others, causing distress, and thoughts of performing dangerous actions. These thoughts may lead to negative behaviors, which may increase vulnerability to future experiences of trauma. Intrusive thoughts have been linked to recent life stress, sleep deprivation, prior anxiety, and childhood abuse. The state of depression , suicidal ideation, or anxiety may also be caused by the release of stress hormones. Analysis of studies in subjects who had experienced prolonged periods of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that intrusive thoughts and flashbacks are associated with greater than 50% of symptoms, especially memory fragmentation. Intrusive thoughts often occur ...