Perfectionism or OCD? Understanding The Difference

OCD and perfectionism can mix together so seamlessly that people often don’t realize they’re dealing with two different patterns. Both can show up as a fear of mistakes, avoidance, overchecking, or the feeling that nothing is ever “good enough.” But OCD adds another layer — intrusive thoughts, compulsions, mental rituals, and a need for certainty that turns everyday tasks into high-stakes situations. Understanding how these two interact is key to knowing why some behaviors feel like “just perfectionism,” while others lock you into a full-on OCD cycle.

In this episode of the Get to know OCD podcast, NOCD therapist and author Taylor Newendorp joins Dr. Patrick McGrath to break down where the two overlap and where they split. He also shares how certain types of therapy help people loosen rigid standards, challenge the rules they’ve built around performance, and relearn what “good enough” actually means.

NOCD specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, the gold standard treatment for OCD. Want to explore your treatment options? Book a free 15-minute call with us at https://learn.nocd.com/YT

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