Perfectionism can be linked to a host of emotional, physical and relationship problems, including:
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Marital discord
- Even suicide
Perfectionism is not officially recognized as a psychiatric disorder. However extreme forms of perfectionism should be considered an illness similar to narcissism, obsessive compulsiveness, dependent-personality disorder and other personality disorders because of its links to distress and dysfunction. Perfectionists are persistent, detailed and organized high achievers. Perfectionists vary in their behaviors: some strive to conceal their imperfections; others attempt to project an image of perfection. But all perfectionists have in common extremely high standards for themselves or for others
Ten Top Signs Your a Perfectionist
- You can't stop thinking about a mistake you made.
- You are intensely competitive and can't stand doing worse than others.
- You either want to do something "just right" or not at all.
- You demand perfection from other people.
- You won't ask for help if asking can be perceived as a flaw or weakness.
- You will persist at a task long after other people have quit.
- You are a fault-finder who must correct other people when they are wrong.
- You are highly aware of other people's demands and expectations.
- You are very self-conscious about making mistakes in front of other people.
- You noticed the error in the title of this list.
There are many solutions to address perfectionism but one of my new favorite ones is a rapid type of brain wave entrainment technique that I and many of our patients are using. The Insight CD System allows one to achieve many of the benefits of meditation in a fraction of the time.
Science Daily June 14, 2004