In short, there are no specific types of people who are prone to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Studies show the condition equally affects men, women, and children of all ethnicities, races, and backgrounds.

However, some psychologists believe certain personality types are vulnerable to OCD. For example, Sigmund Freud theorized people who felt indecisive and a need for orderliness were more prone to developing OCD than the general population.

While there is no single personality type that will determine whether or not you struggle with OCD, recent research has shown several human characteristics are more likely to have the condition. ¹ Throughout this article, we’ll observe these personality types.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that’s defined by cycles of obsessions and compulsions. To put it simply: ²

• Obsessions are unwanted and/or intrusive thoughts, images, and/or urges that present symptoms of anxiety.

• Compulsions are behaviors that reflect these obsessive thoughts and, in turn, decrease anxiety.

While compulsive behaviors relieve anxiety caused by obsessions, they don’t take care of the underlying causes of OCD. In fact, those who push themselves deeper and deeper into this cycle are doing themselves more harm.

What are OCD Symptoms?

OCD symptoms are characterized into “obsession” and “compulsive” categories. Since OCD is such a personalized condition, no two people will experience the exact same set of symptoms.

Here are the most common symptoms of OCD:

Obsession Symptoms

• Aggressive thoughts (i.e. losing control or harming yourself)
• Cleanliness (fear of contamination)
• Doubtful (difficulty permitting uncertainty)
• Organizational (the need for things to be ordered and symmetrical)
• Unwanted thoughts about aggression and/or aggression or religious topics

Compulsion Symptoms

• Always checking something
• Counting
• Following a strict routine
• Keeping everything in perfect order
• Requiring reassurance
• Washing and cleaning

What are the Risk Factors for OCD?

One of the biggest indications of an OCD diagnosis is if you’re prone to a risk factor. While people in such a position are more at risk of OCD, it’s important to keep in mind that you can still develop the condition without these risk factors.

The most common risk factors for OCD include:

• Age – While OCD can develop at any age between preschool and 40 years old, it’s most common in older teenagers and young adults.

• Genetics – Some studies suggest that genes play a role in whether or not someone will develop OCD. If you have a close relative with the condition, you may be more vulnerable to symptoms. ³

• Pregnancy and Postpartum – A pregnancy and the postpartum period can worsen symptoms in those with or those vulnerable to OCD. ⁴

• Presence of Other Mental Health Conditions – OCD has been found to co-occur with several other mental illnesses, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, substance use disorder, and some other types of anxiety disorders. ⁵

• Stress – Research has found a connection between stress and the development of OCD symptoms. Most commonly, OCD appears when major life changes occur, such as the loss of a loved one or losing a job. It’s worth noting that stress has been found to create obsessive symptoms more so than compulsive symptoms. ⁶

The 7 Personality Categories

The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) has developed a personality category list to make it easier for psychologists to identify specific personality traits. ⁷

Of course, we each hold a unique personality so complex that no single bubble could describe it. The purpose of the TCI model is simply to understand where your personality generally ranges and whether or not that puts you at risk for certain mental health conditions. In this case, OCD.

1.) Novelty Seeking

Do you seek adventures more so than others? Do you find yourself getting involved in random activities just for the thrill?

People who are “novelty seeking” tend to be very excitable, curious, and impulsive. This can lead them to risky behaviors, such as dangerous driving, promiscuous sex, and drug use.

People who aren’t novelty seekers tend to be calm, cautious, and sensible.

2.) Harm Avoidance

Do you find yourself avoiding places or situations? Do you always think about the worst possible outcome?

People who participate in “harm avoidance” tend to be anxious, worried about the future, and unable to bear uncertainty. Such behaviors can lead to social isolation and other mental health conditions, such as depression. ⁸

People who don’t avoid harm tend to be more relaxed and can handle anxiety better.

3.) Reward Dependence

Do you find that you’re in constant need of reassurance? That you cater to others to gain their approval?

People with a “reward dependence” personality tend to be warm, loving, and very sensitive. While this usually means they’re great with other people, it also means they rely heavily on other people’s opinions.

People who aren’t reward-dependent tend to be unemotional and sometimes cold.

4.) Persistence

Are you determined to meet your goals no matter the cost? Do you find it difficult to get to sleep at night without finishing every little detail of your work?

People with the quality of “persistence” tend to be hard-working, innovative, and immune to fatigue. While this isn’t necessarily a bad personality trait, it could lead to unhealthy behavior, like perfectionism.

People who aren’t persistent tend to be less goal-oriented and more laid-back.

5.) Self-Directedness

Do you know exactly where you want to be in 5 years? Do you find yourself motivated to do whatever it takes to get there?

People with a “self-directedness” personality are usually mature, responsible, reliable, and goal-oriented. Similarly to “persistence,” this isn’t a bad characteristic. However, it may lead to negative behaviors, such as perfectionism.

People who aren’t self-directed tend to be self-focused, unreliable, and immature.

6.) Cooperativeness

Do you find it easier to work with others rather than working alone? Do you prefer to be in a social environment?

People with “cooperativeness” are usually good team players and have an aim to get along with others. While this can be beneficial, it may also make you dependent on other people’s reassurance.

Those who aren’t cooperative tend to value themselves and their personal goods above other people’s.

7.) Self-Transcendence

Do you believe you were put into existence for a higher purpose? Do you indulge in all things spiritual to find your true meaning?

People with the “self-transcendence” personality trait tend to search for something greater than themselves and become engrossed in enjoyable and spiritual activities.

People who aren’t as self-transcendent tend to be rational, in the present, and have little to no spiritual ambition.

Personalities that Lead to OCD

Studies suggest that this personality model can accurately determine whether or not someone may struggle with OCD. Those who have higher scores in harm avoidance are most at risk. On the other hand, those with lower scores in novelty seeking, reward dependence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness are less at risk. ⁹

Of course, this test shouldn’t be the sole determination of whether or not you struggle with OCD. Individuals with reward dependence and self-directedness personality traits can still develop the condition.

Not to mention, these tests don’t determine the scale of how much someone struggles with OCD. While some people with obvious signs may test positive, others with less obvious signs may test negative.

Other Factors of Personality and OCD

When you speak with a mental health professional, there are two important things they’ll observe to determine whether or not you have OCD: your symptoms and your risk factors.

If you appear to show symptoms related to OCD and these symptoms inhibit your daily life, there’s a good chance you could receive a diagnosis.

From there, through a series of interviews, a psychologist will be able to determine how at-risk you are for this condition. For example, if you reveal your mother struggles with OCD or that you’ve experienced large amounts of stress, a professional will match that with the symptoms you’ve discussed.

It’s difficult to determine OCD simply through personality traits because your personality is so deep and complicated. Each of us likely holds some personality traits that can be linked to the condition, but it’s unlikely we all struggle it.

Unrelated to the personality test mentioned above, there is a set of traits that are often found in those who have OCD: ¹⁰

• Impulsivity – When you participate in activities that feel good without considering future consequences.

• Indecisiveness – When you have difficulty making decisions or need a lot of time to decide.

• Neuroticism – When you avoid situations or places that you feel can put you in harm’s way.

• Perfectionism – When you need situations and/or objects to be exactly right (i.e. everything must be symmetrical).

• Responsibility – When you feel more accountable for your actions than most people do.

If you struggle with at least one of the above personality traits, we highly suggest you see a mental health professional for concerns with OCD.

Final Word

Again, there are no specific types of people prone to OCD in comparison to others. However, when we get into the finer details of personality, we can see that some characteristics are more vulnerable to the condition than others.

Still, a proper diagnosis is determined by symptoms and risk factors. Not your personality type. If you wonder whether or not you have OCD, the only true way to find out is by consulting your healthcare provider.

References

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⁷ Lyoo IK, Lee DW, Kim YS, Kong SW, Kwon JS. Patterns of temperament and character in subjects with obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2001 Aug;62(8):637-41. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v62n0811. PMID: 11561937.

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