Being a perfectionist is often something that is glorified, and viewed as a positive trait one could possess. However, if you are a perfectionist, it is likely that you frequently put extensive pressure on yourself to strive to be flawless. New findings published in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy have found that perfectionist thinking patterns contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms.

Perfectionism is the desire to perform without flaw, not leaving room for failure. Individuals who have a perfectionist mindset are typically overly self-critical, and they put immense pressure on themselves to always be superb. This trait is not always negative, but it’s important to recognize why these thought patterns may be leading to various anxiety disorders.

Researchers are now looking deeper into the thought patterns that characterize perfectionism. Study author Jeremy Tyler and his team say that perfectionist cognitions include expectations about achieving perfection. These thoughts might include “I hate making mistakes'' or “I am a total failure”. These patterns have been linked to dysfunctional mental health symptoms, including obsessions and anxiety. 

Tyler and his team wanted to add more research to the current findings by exploring perfectionist thought patterns among a sample of patients with diagnosed anxiety or anxiety-related disorders. 365 adults between the ages of 18 and 69 were subjects for their study. More than half of the subjects had more than one mental health diagnosis, and the most common primary diagnoses were OCD, SAD, and GAD. In a self-report survey, they completed the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory (PCI), which had a list of 25 perfectionist cognitions that one might think about regularly. Subjects then had to rate how often they got these thoughts in the last week. Then, they were assessed for symptoms of GAD, OCD, SAD, depression, panic disorder, and PTSD. Lastly, they were assessed on their emotional regulation struggles and anxiety sensitivity. 

Through this study, it was discovered that perfectionist cognitions were linked to various anxiety disorders. After controlling for symptoms of depression, anxiety sensitivity, and difficulties in emotion regulation, scores on the PCI still accounted for a notable percentage of variance in GAD symptoms, as well as PTSD symptoms. 

The researchers dissected why perfectionist cognitions could often lead to more anxiety. They explained that perfectionist thought patterns increase one's susceptibility to anxiety and negative emotions since their minds (or behavior) are usually hyper-focused on perfection and failure. Because of this constant behavioral process, it eliminates any room for failure, thus leading to an increase in anxiety. These findings may even suggest this pattern might be even more likely to happen to people with a GAD or PTSD diagnosis.

Tyler and his team’s findings provide a basis for new studies that might emerge regarding the role anxiety and perfectionism play in anxiety-related disorders. This can also benefit treatment plans for those going to therapy to treat their anxiety. Make sure to speak to your therapist if you feel like perfectionist cognitions could be attributing to the anxiety you are feeling.