Overcontrol
Overcontrol happens when our self-control has negative impacts on our quality of life, leading to certain chronic mental health problems. Because of the high value our society places on self-control, individuals with disorders of overcontrol often keep their suffering hidden from others.
Traits and behaviors associated with overcontrol:
Avoidance of uncertainty
Tendencies to dismiss feedback
Need for structure
Hyper-perfectionism
Rehearsing and planning
High moral conviction (the “right” way is the only way)
Low emotional awareness
Smiling when distressed
Low social connectedness
Distant relationships
High social comparisons
Imposter syndrome
Feeling exhausted after socializing
Mental health disorders associated with overcontrol:
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
Avoidant personality disorder
Anorexia nervosa
Schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders
Autism spectrum disorders
Treatment-resistant anxiety
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is an evidence-based treatment for problems of overcontrol. It targets five themes of overcontrol: inhibited or disingenuous emotional expression; overly cautious behavior; rigid rule-governed behavior; distant style of relating to others; and high social comparison. With RO-DBT we learn to be open, flexible, and socially connected.
It takes courage to reach out to others and ask for help. If you’re ready to heal, let’s take this journey together.