Clinical perfectionism: when high standards become a problem (and how therapy helps)
- Dr. Amitai Abramovitch
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Clinical perfectionism is more than having high standards. It is when excessive, across-the-board standards become inflexible and self-worth gets tied to performance outcomes. Falling short brings harsh self-criticism, anxiety, procrastination, or avoidance. In Austin, Dr. Amitai Abramovitch treats clinical perfectionism with evidence-based CBT, and is the author of the first neuropsychological study of perfectionism and one of the first to conduct a randomized clinical trial of a perfectionism-specific self-help app.
What is clinical perfectionism, and how is it different from being a high achiever?
Healthy achievement striving is flexible and satisfying. You can adjust standards, tolerate good enough, and enjoy achievements. Adaptive perfectionism (also known as achievement striving) is also associated with a different relationship to mistakes: instead of fearing a mistake, high achievers, even if they don't feel great when they underachieve, can view mistakes as opportunities for growth, and are therefore less likely to avoid or procrastinate on tasks. Clinical perfectionism, by contrast, is characterized by rigidity and self-defeating standards: standards are never quite met, mistakes feel catastrophic, and effort rarely brings relief. It often drives procrastination (because starting a task risks imperfection) and burnout.
How does CBT treat perfectionism?
CBT for perfectionism helps you identify the rules and beliefs that keep the cycle going, test them through behavioral experiments, reduce self-criticism, increase self-compassion, and build flexibility around standards and mistakes. The aim is not to lower your ambitions but to make them sustainable, and to allow you to actually perform at a higher level.
Is perfectionism linked to anxiety, OCD, or depression?
Yes. Clinical perfectionism is a common feature of OCD, but it also commonly accompanies other conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression, and can both contribute to and worsen them.
Frequently asked questions
Is perfectionism a diagnosis? It is not a standalone DSM diagnosis, but clinical perfectionism is a well-described, treatable pattern that frequently interacts with anxiety, OCD, and depression.
Can perfectionism be treated via telehealth? Yes. CBT for perfectionism is available in person in Austin and via telehealth across Texas and Florida.
Do you accept insurance? The practice is out-of-network and provides a superbill for possible reimbursement.
Research referenced in this article
Where to next
Read more about perfectionism treatment in Austin, see related research publications, or contact Dr. Abramovitch.
