Repetitive Checking Behavior: Is It Perfectionism or Something More?

Thank you, Dr. Wang, for your assistance?

Could I ask Dr.
Wang again if my behavior of repeatedly checking things is due to my overly anxious or perfectionist personality? (This happens only for things I care about.) Moreover, it seems to occur only in certain specific situations and not in all aspects of daily life, so this wouldn't be classified as obsessive-compulsive disorder, right? (I'm not doubting or asking repeatedly; I just want to better understand my situation.)

Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/11/20

Dr. Wang Chongren reply Psychiatry

Dear Dr.
Wang Chong-Jen of the Tainan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Executive Yuan Health Department:
I apologize if my previous response was misleading.
The differential diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes many conditions (including obsessive-compulsive personality disorder), and distinguishing between these two disorders may require a more rigorous and objective assessment.
The characteristics of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder do not involve obsessive thoughts or behaviors, but rather a persistent preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control that begins in early adulthood.
My earlier response primarily suggested that your personality traits might manifest under stress, and you may exhibit compulsive behaviors such as repetitive checking.
However, to diagnose OCD, these behaviors must be excessive or unreasonable, resulting in a significant waste of your time (more than one hour per day) or causing noticeable interference with your normal routines, work, or social interactions.
It may be necessary to discuss this further with your physician.
Wishing you good health and peace of mind!

Reply Date: 2009/11/20

More Info

Repetitive checking behavior can often be a source of confusion, especially when trying to differentiate between traits like perfectionism or neuroticism and clinical conditions such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Your inquiry touches on a nuanced area of mental health, and it’s important to understand the distinctions and implications of these behaviors.

Firstly, perfectionism is characterized by an individual's relentless pursuit of flawlessness and setting excessively high performance standards. This can lead to a preoccupation with details, rules, and order, which might manifest as repetitive checking behaviors. For instance, if you find yourself repeatedly checking whether the door is locked or if the stove is off, it could stem from a desire to ensure everything is perfect and in order. This behavior might be more pronounced in situations that you deem important, which aligns with your observation that it occurs under specific circumstances rather than throughout your daily life.

On the other hand, OCD is a clinical condition that involves both obsessions (intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors performed to alleviate that anxiety). The key distinction here is the degree to which these behaviors interfere with your daily functioning. For a diagnosis of OCD, the compulsive behaviors must be excessive and time-consuming, often taking more than an hour a day, and they must significantly disrupt your normal routine, work, or social activities. If your checking behaviors do not reach this level of severity, it may not qualify as OCD, but it could still be indicative of anxiety or stress management strategies.

Your description suggests that your checking behaviors are context-dependent and do not dominate your life, which might indicate that they are more related to your personality traits rather than a mental health disorder. However, it’s essential to recognize that even if these behaviors are not classified as OCD, they can still lead to significant distress or impairment in your life. If you find that these behaviors are causing you anxiety or taking up a considerable amount of your time, it may be beneficial to explore strategies to manage them.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective for addressing both perfectionism and OCD symptoms. CBT can help you identify the underlying thoughts that drive your checking behaviors and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Mindfulness techniques can also be beneficial, as they encourage you to focus on the present moment and reduce the compulsive need to check or reassess situations.

In summary, while your repetitive checking behavior may stem from perfectionistic tendencies, it’s crucial to monitor the impact it has on your life. If it begins to interfere with your daily functioning or causes significant distress, seeking professional help from a mental health provider would be a prudent step. They can provide a comprehensive assessment and help you determine the most appropriate course of action, whether it be therapy, self-help strategies, or a combination of both. Remember, understanding your behavior is the first step toward managing it effectively.

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