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Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has demonstrated efficacy in thousands of clinical trials for eating disorders, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and more. However, ACT has not established efficacy as a treatment for obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) in a clinical trial. The prevalence of OCPD is one of the highest among personality disorders, yet there is a dearth of research regarding empirically supported treatments and the disorder in general. Aspects of OCPD, including perfectionism, mood intolerance, experiential avoidance, and impaired psychosocial functioning, make it particularly suitable for research involving ACT, which aims to increase psychological flexibility. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate a conceptual model for the treatment of OCPD using ACT. Specific strategies and techniques will be discussed. Future research avenues include exploring ACT as a viable treatment for OCPD, as well as the constructs of experiential avoidance and psychological flexibility related to OCPD functioning.
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) poses unique challenges in clinical mental health practice, characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. In this article, we explore the application of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as a conceptual treatment model for individuals grappling with OCPD. ACT, rooted in the contextual behavioral science framework, diverges from traditional cognitive-behavioral approaches by emphasizing acceptance of internal experiences and the pursuit of meaningful life values (Hayes, 2019). As OCPD often manifests in rigid thought patterns and resistance to change, the integration of ACT into therapeutic interventions offers a promising avenue for fostering psychological flexibility and promoting adaptive behaviors.
Drawing on the six core processes of ACT, we delve into how mindfulness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, values clarification, committed action, and self-as-context can be tailored to address the specific features of OCPD. By cultivating these core processes, individuals with OCPD may develop a more flexible relationship with their thoughts and engage in values-based actions that contribute to a richer and more fulfilling life. This exploration not only underscores the potential efficacy of ACT in treating OCPD but also contributes to the growing body of literature advancing innovative therapeutic approaches for personality disorders. Our presentation begins with an exploration of ACT, OCPD, and common treatments for OCPD. We then propose ACT as a specific treatment for OCPD and illustrate this application...