What is the difference between OCD and Perfectionism?

OCD and perfectionism might have some similarities, but they are not the same. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder whereby an individual sees the need to perform an action (compulsion) or has a repeated thought continuously (obsession). With this mental disorder, the affected individual is not able to control the activities or thoughts. The obsession is described as “ego-dystonic”. This means that the actions are not consistent with one’s ego.

Perfectionism, on the other hand, refers to an unwillingness to settle for anything less than perfection. Perfectionism is a personality trait and not a mental disorder like OCD. Perfectionism is characterized by high expectations and standards.