OCD vs. obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
A man has intrusive, unwanted thoughts that his hands are contaminated. He washes them for hours a day, recognizes this is excessive, and is distressed by it. The most likely diagnosis is:
Answer A: explanation for every choice
A
Correct. OCD involves obsessions and compulsions that are typically experienced as unwanted and distressing.
B
OCPD is a pervasive preoccupation with order and perfectionism that the person sees as correct, without true obsessions or compulsions.
C
Generalized anxiety disorder is broad worry without compulsive rituals.
D
Illness anxiety disorder is preoccupation with having a serious illness, without compulsive rituals like this.
TakeawayOCD: unwanted obsessions and compulsions. OCPD: rigid perfectionism the person sees as right.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps120.