Which disorder is described as ego-syntonic?

• A. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
• B. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• C. Histrionic Personality Disorder
• D. Borderline Personality Disorder

Answer: (A)

Ego-syntonic describes traits or symptoms that a person sees as consistent with their self-image and values, not distressing to them. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder fits this because the rigid need for order, perfectionism, and control is viewed as appropriate and desirable by the person. They often don’t recognize these patterns as problematic and may rationalize or defend them, even if the rigidity causes difficulties for themselves or others.

In contrast, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is ego-dystonic: the obsessions and compulsions are intrusive, unwanted, and distressing, and the person recognizes them as inconsistent with their desires. The other disorders listed don’t have that classic alignment with the self-image in the same way; they focus more on drama, fear of abandonment, or impulsive instability, rather than a pervasive, self-validated pattern of rigidity and perfectionism.