Compulsive personality disorder

Definition:

The avoidance of feelings and intimacy through rigid adherence to rules and order.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This disorder tends to occur in families. Biological and developmental factors may play a causal role. A person with this disorder shows perfectionism and inflexibility, usually beginning in early adulthood. Perfectionism may interfere with the ability to complete a given task because rigid standards cannot be met. People with this disorder may emotionally withdraw when ill, or when not in control. Individuals who are high achievers, competitive, sense urgency in everything, or are often hostile or aggressive are at a high risk for this disorder.