What is a key feature of anankastic personality disorder?

Anankastic personality disorder, also known as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), is characterized primarily by a pervasive pattern of inflexibility and stubbornness. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with a rigid adherence to rules, details, and schedules, which can lead to difficulties in both personal and professional settings.

The inflexibility manifests as a strong need for orderliness and control, with individuals frequently holding onto their own way of doing things to an extreme degree. This may lead to a significant amount of frustration or distress when things do not go according to their plans or standards. This particular trait is central to the disorder and distinguishes it from other personality disorders where different characteristics might prevail.

While other personality disorders may involve excitement-seeking behaviors, social withdrawal, or a blatant disregard for societal norms, these attributes are not typical of anankastic personality disorder. Instead, the defining feature remains the presence of inflexibility and a strong tendency toward perfectionism. This rigidity can hinder their relationships and adaptability to new situations, highlighting the centrality of this trait in understanding the disorder.