Relations between Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder and personality: Beyond Axis I–Axis II comorbidity

Most research on relations between Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and personality addresses only comorbidity rates between OCD and Obsessive–Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). We first investigated empirical OCD–OCPD relations, but then also examined patterns of dimensional traits in OCD patients versus students and general outpatients. Results did not support a specific OCD–OCPD relation and the implications of this conclusion are discussed. Regarding traits, OCD patients shared with other patients elevated negative affectivity and lower positive affectivity. Differences on several lower order dimensions, including lower scores on manipulativeness, mistrust, and disinhibition distinguished the personality profile of OCD patients from others. Also noteworthy was a pattern of very low self-image for OCD patients, as suggested by the combination of low self-esteem and low entitlement scores. Overall, OCD patients showed a more specific pattern of personality pathology than did general outpatients, who were elevated more generally across personality disorders and negative affectivity scales.