Biochemical reason behind (neurotic) perfectionism

[Tyto alba]

Is the reason behind neurotic perfectionism known? I'm looking for the molecular basis of this kind of perfectionism but couldn't find much on Google - Web and Scholar.

 

[jim mcnamara]

Try googling to OCD - obsessive-compulsive disorder. And I do not know if there is any really complete biochemical explanation. NIMH is where you want to go for any known answers.

Google NIMH: OCD biochemistry and you get lots of hits. All with valid information.
Here is one:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17679639

I get the idea that you are really trying to answer some other question, not the one you stated.

 

[Tyto alba]

No, I'm trying to find an answer to the question I stated.

Does a case of (neurotic) perfectionism necessarily have to be one of OCD?

 

[Ryan_m_b]

The DSM-V defines perfectionism as an aspect of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Whilst the DSM is obviously subject to change it represents that the current consensus is that the two are related.
http://www.psi.uba.ar/academica/carrerasdegrado/psicologia/sitios_catedras/practicas_profesionales/820_clinica_tr_personalidad_psicosis/material/dsm.pdf

As with most mental health disorders the underlying mechanism is not completely understood, especially at a biochemical level. The paper suggested by Jim is a good start for you as it looks into some of the physiological differences within the brains of OCD patients.

 

[zoobyshoe]

"Neurotic perfectionism," as phrased, would actually be a manifestation of Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, which is a disorder distinct from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive–compulsive_personality_disorder

Confusion arises because of the similar names and because many with one disorder also have the other: they are often comorbid.

OCPD is often confused with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Despite the similar names, they are two distinct disorders—OCD is an anxiety disorder and OCPD is a personality disorder. Some OCPD individuals do have OCD, and the two are sometimes found in the same family,[14] sometimes along with eating disorders.[15] People with OCPD do not generally feel the need to repeatedly perform ritualistic actions—a common symptom of OCD—and usually find pleasure in perfecting a task, whereas people with OCD are often more distressed after their actions...

That said, the cause of both is still unknown.