Ep 56: Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder DSM Symptoms

Ep 56: Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder DSM Symptoms

Author: Dr. Rebecca Houvener, Psy.D. LCP June 16, 2026 Duration: 32:27
🎬In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the straightforward history of this condition, looking at fun names in history like anankastic and ambitendency. We also unpack the evolution of OCPD in the DSM, highlighting how our own compulsivity shows up in the naming and renaming of the disorder throughout history. We look in detail at the 8 criteria in the DSM and share our thoughts and criticisms about the DSM’s portrayal of this condition.   ⚠️Note: this podcast does not constitute a professional relationship. If you're in need of professional help, please seek out appropriate resources in your area. ⚠️ Chapters00:00 Intro & History of OCPD00:35 The Term “Zwang” 01:21 The Term “Anankastic”02:08 The Term “Psychasthenia State”02:31 Freud’s Anal Character02:57 OCPD vs OCD 04:17 The Terms: Sensitive, Insecure, Ambitendency04:33 The Terms: Hoarding Orientation, Obsessive Character, Rigid Styles05:53 History of OCPD in the DSM     06:05 OCPD in the DSM I      06:31 OCPD in the DSM II     07:08 New OCPD Criteria in the DSM III      09:07 New OCPD Criteria in the DSM III-R     11:10 OCPD in the DSM IV 12:06 OCPD in the DSM 5     13:04 Criterion 1: Order, Perfectionism, Control     15:44 Criterion 2: Extreme Perfectionism     17:51 Criterion 3: Work Focused     21:15 Criterion 4: Inflexible Values     23:11 Criterion 5: Hoarding     24:33 Criterion 6: Controlling     26:03 Criterion 7: Financially Stingy     26:59 Criterion 8: Rigidity27:44 Our Thoughts & Opinions30:11 Summary & Conclusion  👩‍⚕️Work With Us! https://www.questpsych.org/  Personality Couch Links🛋️Websitehttps://www.personalitycouch.com/ ✍️Blog (& Podcast Episode References)https://personalitycouch.com/blog/obsessive-compulsive-personality-disorder-diagnostic-criteria/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/personalitycouch/ Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/personalitycouch #mentalhealthpodcast #personalitydisorder #personalitydisorders #personalitytypes #personalitypsychology #personality #clinicalpsychology #mentalhealthprofessionals #mentalhealth #narcissism #psychology #psychopathology #DSM #psychodynamic #psychoanalysis #personalitydevelopment #personalitytrait #personalitytraits #ocpd #obsessivecompulsive #perfectionism #perfectionismrecovery #rigidity #compulsive #compulsivebehavior #mentalhealthawareness

On the Personality Couch podcast, the subtle and often confusing tensions that shape our daily lives are brought into focus. Hosted by clinical psychologists Dr. Rebecca Houvener (“Doc Bok”) and Dr. Cheyenne Fisher (“Doc Fish”), this conversation moves beyond abstract theory to examine the real-world friction we navigate. Every other week, they take apart those puzzling interactions-the off-kilter feeling with a relative, the unexpected clash with a colleague-and trace them back to their roots in personality structure. Their dialogue is a practical exploration, offering listeners a framework to understand not just others, but their own reactions and patterns. You’ll hear detailed breakdowns of complex relational dynamics, all discussed with the clarity and nuance that comes from clinical expertise. The aim is to provide actionable insight, transforming confusion into comprehension. This isn’t about labeling people; it’s about deciphering the hidden language of human behavior that operates in our friendships, families, workplaces, and broader culture. By tuning in, you gain a shared vocabulary for the unspoken, making sense of the conflicts we all face but don’t always know how to address. The podcast serves as a guide for anyone looking to improve their connections and their own self-awareness, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Personality Couch
Podcast Episodes
Ep 42: The Almost Psychotic Personality | Schizotypal in the DSM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into the origins, diagnostic criteria, and oddities associated with schizotypal personality disorder and wh…
Ep 39: Schizoid vs Avoidant Personality | What's the Difference? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) compare and contrast avoidant and schizoid personalities. While schizoid and avoidant personality disorders have overlap…
Ep 38: Unpacking Schizoid Subtypes | A Critical Look [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:56
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) take a critical look at the subtypes of schizoid personality, critiquing existing definitions and theories, particularly…
Ep 37: Answering Viewer Questions About Schizoid Personality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:13
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) answer your most-asked questions about schizoid personality. We address misconceptions about schizoid and settle its pro…
Ep 36: Schizoid Personality vs Autism | Are They The Same? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:45
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) unpack the differences and similarities between schizoid personality disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and whether…
Ep 34: The Most Misunderstood Personality | Schizoid in the DSM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:20
In this episode of The Personality Couch, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) dive into one of the most misunderstood personalities: the quiet, awkward, and socially backwards schizoid. We take a cr…