The phrase obsessive–compulsive has become part of the English lexicon, and is often
used in an informal or caricatured manner to describe someone who is excessively
meticulous, perfectionistic, absorbed, or otherwise fixated. Although these signs
are present in OCD, a person who exhibits them does not necessarily have OCD, and
may instead have obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), an autism
spectrum disorder, or no clinical condition. Despite the irrational behaviour, OCD is
sometimes associated with above-average intelligence. Its sufferers commonly share
personality traits such as high attention to detail, avoidance of risk, careful planning,
exaggerated sense of responsibility and a tendency to take time in making decisions.
Multiple psychological and biological factors may be involved in causing obsessive–
compulsive syndromes. Standardized rating scales such as Yale–Brown Obsessive
Compulsive Scale can be used to assess the severity of OCD symptoms