Perfectionism OCD

Aside from contamination (ie. hand-washing) OCD, perfectionism OCD is the most commonly recognized subtype of OCD in popular culture.  We can all imagine the externalized compulsions of a perfectionist – checking, adjusting, redoing, and agonizing over mistakes.  However, for someone with OCD, the internal struggle is actually far more significant than the perfectionistic behaviors.  

What is the best treatment for OCD perfectionism? As with all presentations of OCD, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) is usually the best first treatment to try.  For a perfectionist, the obvious exposure is purposefully making a mistake.   

However, many do not want to shed their perfectionism, because they believe (sometimes rightly so!) that OCD compels them to be excellent.  This positive reinforcement of the OCD creates an impediment to true desire for treatment.  

Rather than force a perfectionist to start with exposures, a seasoned clinician will instead step back and work with the client to clarify values.  Values, in the truest sense of the word, are freely chosen and within our control.  

Values give us direction in life when we are feeling unmoored. 

Often, perfectionism leads us to depart from our most important values.  We begin to optimize our lives for being flawless, at the expense of paying attention to things we actually care most about.  We simply abide by the rigid rules of perfection in the short term, instead of moving towards our long term aspirations for a fulfilling and balanced life.  

Please contact Kairos Wellness Collective to learn more about treatment for perfectionism OCD.