OCD vs. OCPD: Intermediate ESL lesson plan on personality disorders and perfectionism

This video-based ESL lesson helps students explore the nuance between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

By using a podcast transcript, learners move beyond basic descriptions to master high-level vocabulary regarding mental health and interpersonal relationships.

Learning objectives

• Identify key differences between ocd and ocpd using authentic materials.
• Acquire 20 new vocabulary terms related to personality and psychology.
• Analyze how extreme personality traits affect relationships and work.

ESL lesson plan: Understanding obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and perfectionism

Objectives

• Understand the key differences between OCD and OCPD from the transcript.
• Learn 20 new vocabulary items related to personality traits and mental health.
• Practice reading/listening comprehension, pair/group discussion, and writing a short paragraph.

Materials

• Vocabulary handout.
• Audio/video/transcript of the interview (provided or printed handout).
• Whiteboard/markers.

Recommendations for further reading:

• The OCD Workbook: Your Guide to Breaking Free from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Stop Obsessing!: How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions (Revised Edition)
• Tormenting Thoughts and Secret Rituals: The Hidden Epidemic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Warm-up (10 min)

Show students an image of a perfectly organized pantry with labels or a highly organized desk. Ask: “Do you think this level of organization is helpful or extreme? Why?” Elicit ideas in pairs, then share 3–4 responses on the board.

Pre-reading vocabulary (15 min)

Hand out the vocabulary list. Students repeat words after the teacher for pronunciation, then read definitions and example sentences in pairs.

Vocabulary

• Obsessive – having thoughts or desires that continue in an uncontrolled way.
  She has obsessive worries about cleanliness.
• Compulsive – done repeatedly because you feel you must.
  He has compulsive habits like checking the door many times.
• Insight – the ability to understand the true nature of a situation.
  People with OCD often have good insight and know their fears are excessive.
• Ritual – a set of fixed actions performed regularly.
  Washing hands 20 times is a ritual for some people with OCD.
• Rigid – not able to change easily; very strict.
  His rigid rules make it hard to plan trips with friends.
• Perfectionism – the need to make everything perfect.
  Her perfectionism stops her from finishing projects on time.
• Fixated – thinking about one thing too much and unable to stop.
  He is fixated on organizing his desk perfectly.
• Frugality – being very careful with money; not wanting to spend.
  Extreme frugality means never buying new clothes even when you can afford them.
• Micromanagement – controlling every small detail of someone else’s work.
  The boss’s micromanagement makes employees feel stressed.
• Hoarding – keeping large amounts of things you do not need.
  Hoarding old newspapers filled the whole room.

Vocabulary for extension

• Trait – a particular quality in someone’s personality.
  Being organized is a positive personality trait.
• Spectrum – a range between two extremes.
  Personality traits exist on a spectrum from mild to extreme.
• Adaptive – helpful for success or survival.
  Some perfectionism can be adaptive in a job that needs accuracy.
• Impair – to damage or weaken something.
  Too much work can impair family relationships.
• Compromise – an agreement where both sides give something up.
  Good relationships need compromise from both partners.
• Debilitating – causing serious problems that stop normal activity.
  Debilitating anxiety made it impossible for her to leave home.
• Temperament – a person’s basic nature, especially how they react emotionally.
  Children can inherit temperament from their parents.
• Coping strategy – a way of dealing with difficult situations.
  Exercise is a healthy coping strategy for stress.
• Negotiate – to discuss in order to reach an agreement.
  They negotiated a fair way to share housework.
• Humanitarian – concerned with improving people’s lives and reducing suffering.
  She has a strong humanitarian sense and always helps others.

Reading and listening (20 min)

• Students read the transcript silently (or key excerpts) for 5-7 minutes.
• Play the audio (or the teacher reads aloud) once while students follow along.
• Students underline or note any vocabulary words they recognize.

Comprehension check (10 min)True/False (write T or F)

1. People with OCD usually lack insight into their behaviors. ___
2. OCPD involves rigid thinking and believing one’s way is best. ___
3. Perfectionism in OCPD can sometimes be productive. ___
4. Hoarding is never associated with OCPD. ___
5. Extreme rigidity can make compromising in relationships difficult. ___

Key (for teacher): 1-F, 2-T, 3-T, 4-F, 5-T

Speaking practice (20 min)

Pair work

• Student A: Explain the difference between OCD and OCPD (use at least 3 vocabulary words).
• Student B: Describe how perfectionism can affect relationships (use at least 3 vocabulary words).
• Switch roles.

Group discussion

• “Is some level of rigidity or perfectionism good in life? Why or why not?”
• “How can people with rigid traits maintain healthy relationships?”

Writing (15 min)

• Write 4–6 sentences giving your opinion on whether perfectionism is more helpful or harmful in daily life. Use at least 5 words from the vocabulary list.
• Example starter: While some perfectionism can be adaptive and lead to success…

Wrap-up and homework (5 min)

• Quick review: Teacher says a definition; students call out the word.
• Homework: Write a short paragraph (6-8 sentences) about a personality trait you have (e.g., organized, flexible). Explain if it helps or impairs your life, using at least 5 vocabulary words.