What is the difference between Perfectionism and OCD?

OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder is a big deal. It as a disorder that takes over their lives and is very hard to get over. On the other hand perfectionism, is where people feel the need to set strict rules on themselves for their lives. Basically, as the term suggests, everything needs to be perfect, but there seems to be some reason for this to happen. OCD consists of many different rituals that often don't really make any sense at all, such as washing hands over and over when they are already sufficiently clean, or checking, double checking and triple checking that doors are locked.

Theoreticians have linked perfection to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Despite the differences in the extent of perfectionism, there is clear research that perfectionism is linked to OCD. The feeling of imperfection subsequently entails a need for perfection in perceptions and behaviour to overcome feelings of uncertainty. Cognitive theoreticians emphasise the importance of perfectionism for understanding OCD. A few theoreticians suggest that perfectionism develops in an attempt to avoid uncertainty or in an attempt to establish control. Others suggest that perfection breeds uncertainty and a desire to control one's own environment. However, there has been little research linking perfectionism to OCD. Neither studies have investigated the influence of different levels of perfectionism treatment, nor whether treating perfectionism directly into therapy would be beneficial. That evidence is gathered in terms of other disorders. Like eating disorders and depression, and suggests that perfectionist thinking could be an important element in treatment.