Perfectionism
A persistent pattern of setting unrealistically high standards, coupled with excessive self-criticism when those standards are unmet — driving compulsive effort or paralysing avoidance.
Quick answer
Perfectionism describes a pattern of setting excessively high standards for oneself, combined with harsh self-evaluation when those standards are not met. Not a clinical diagnosis in itself; ICD-10: F60.5 (anankastic PD), F42 (OCD); ICD-11: 6B22, 6B20. A transdiagnostic risk factor for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and burnout.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
People describe spending disproportionate amounts of time on tasks, redoing work that others consider excellent, avoiding starting projects because of fear of imperfect execution, and experiencing intense distress after perceived mistakes or criticism. Many hold others to the same high standards they apply to themselves, creating relational friction. Some describe a hollow feeling even after success — the bar immediately moves upward. Many appear high-functioning to others while experiencing significant internal suffering.
What is Perfectionism?
A persistent pattern of setting unrealistically high standards, coupled with excessive self-criticism when those standards are unmet — driving compulsive effort or paralysing avoidance.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Perfectionism, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Nervous system regulation, brain function, and neural pathways.
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