One should keep in mind that Hendlin says "hard core perfectionist have obsessive-compulsive tendencies." In fact, obsessions are a chief sign of perfectionism and fall into three categories. First, "a preoccupation on religious or spiritual concerns regarding the purpose or meaning of one's life, ultimate destiny, death, suffering, or evil." This can be accompanied by brooding, depression, and pessimism. The second involves phobias or inhibiting obsessions, such as fear of flying, washing things a certain number of times, guilt over sexual feelings, and obsession with being perfectly dressed. Third, impulsive obsession or compulsive behavior. According to Hendlin "Compulsions are obsessions in action." The obsessive develops an "overly sever, self-punishing moral conscience." Again, the motivating factor for the perfectionist is control, of his thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Hendlin gives a list of disorders that are created and aggravated by the perfectionist personality. They are evident sign posts scattered throughout the lives of Noyes, Jones, and Howell. Eating disorders, manic-depressive mood disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and the need to control others all show themselves. Feelings of specialness, entitlement, and self-absorption, emptiness, lack of personal and spiritual meaning in life, cosmetic surgical procedures that can cause pain and disfigurement, even serious injury to the body are often apparent. Guilt, envy, jealousy, inordinate desire for power, fame and status, substance abuse, physical problems such as high blood pressure, poor digestion, skin disorders, sleep disorders, and various stress-related illnesses may appear. Loneliness, withdrawal, and depression can result.
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