Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

A conversation with a rigid perfectionist who has OCPD (with Darryl Rossignol)

May 7, 2025

Darryl Rossignol, founder of The OCPD Foundation, shares his personal journey with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD). He dives into the emotional toll of perfectionism and black-and-white thinking, revealing how these traits complicate relationships. The conversation explores how OCPD differs from OCD and the unique challenges it presents. Darryl also offers insight into creating supportive environments for those struggling with OCPD, highlighting the importance of empathy, flexibility, and effective communication.

01:15:15

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Episode guests

Darryl Rossignol

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

OCPD is characterized by rigid perfectionism and black-and-white thinking, which can severely impact interpersonal relationships and self-acceptance.

Individuals with OCPD often struggle to acknowledge their behaviors as problematic, making professional help and early intervention essential for effective treatment.

Developing emotional awareness and practicing empathy are crucial for improving relationships with those who have OCPD, fostering healthier communication and understanding.

Deep dives

Understanding OCPD

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is often misunderstood, leading to confusion with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCPD manifests as rigid perfectionism and black-and-white thinking, impacting interpersonal relationships. Those with OCPD often struggle to accept differing opinions, resulting in harsh judgments of others. The constant pursuit of perfection can lead to procrastination and the inability to initiate projects due to the fear of not meeting subjective standards.

Intro

2min

Understanding OCPD: Black and White Thinking

16min

Navigating Relationships with OCPD

8min

Reflections on Relationships and Gender Perspectives

3min

The Cost of Perfectionism

7min

The Challenges of Creating Educational Content on YouTube

2min

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

18min

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: Traits and Interpersonal Dynamics

3min

Navigating OCPD: Understanding and Communication

17min

Read the full transcript here.

What is obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), and how does it compare to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? Why is it relatively prevalent and yet also relatively unheard-of? What can people with OCPD do well? What does OCPD feel like from the inside? Which fictional characters might have OCPD? How do people with OCPD typically engage with religion? How can you have better relationships with people in your life who have OCPD? What should you do if you think you or someone you know might have OCPD? What are some treatments for it that actually work?

After struggling with the traits and symptoms of OCPD since childhood, Darryl Rossignol spent a decade deconstructing his own personality disorder and putting the pieces back together. In 2015, he launched a YouTube channel to document his journey. Within a few years, the project had reached tens of thousands of people in need. By 2022, the need for more was clear. With the assistance of some of the top OCPD mental health professionals, he was able to launch The OCPD Foundation. This foundation is now dedicated to assisting those with OCPD to successfully find the help that they need. Watch Darryl's videos on YouTube, learn more about OCPD at ocpd.org, or email Darryl at darryl@ocpd.org.

Staff