The DVD Fairy

Yes, I said OCPD and not OCD, which it’s often mistaken for. In fact I’m willing to bet most Aladdin fans who know of this character have described him as OCD at least once. Even I almost did before I stopped and double-checked. Surprise: He’s not.

OCPD, or obsessive compulsive personality disorder, differs from OCD in that OCD behaviors go against the sufferer’s concept of self, causing them extreme distress, whereas OCPD behaviors are compatible with said self-image and therefore seen as rational and good behaviors (x). OCD sufferers see their behaviors as abnormal whereas one with OCPD can explain their behaviors as normal and would be extremely resistant to accept otherwise. In fact their concept of their views and those that don’t perfectly align with theirs can be so polarized they might think you’re a jerk for even suggesting there’s something wrong with their behavior.

OCPD is specifically associated with extreme perfectionism and an all-powerful need to control one’s environment down to the most minute of details. 

The DSM states that OCPD displays the following symptoms, when four or more are present:

1. is preoccupied with details, rules, lists, order, organization, or schedules to the extent that the major point of the activity is lost
2. shows perfectionism that interferes with task completion (e.g., is unable to complete a project because his or her own overly strict standards are not met)
3. is excessively devoted to work and productivity to the exclusion of leisure activities and friendships (not accounted for by obvious economic necessity)
4. is overconscientious, scrupulous, and inflexible about matters of morality, ethics, or values (not accounted for by cultural or religious identification)
5. is unable to discard worn-out or worthless objects even when they have no sentimental value
6. is reluctant to delegate tasks or to work with others unless they submit to exactly his or her way of doing things
7. adopts a miserly spending style toward both self and others; money is viewed as something to be hoarded for future catastrophes
8. shows rigidity and stubbornness

The article goes on to describe that some cases are also obsessed with cleanliness.

If you look through the article linked you’ll note there are several other means of classification and sub-classes, etc.

But no, what we’re looking at, here, was the template for this character. On one hand, it’s interesting seeing how the character functions – many of these symptoms perfectly explain his use of hand-made henchmen rather than people, potential reasons why he wouldn’t have stayed in Greece, etc – but on the other, the writing here, along with other pop cultural portrayals of OCPD and similar disorders, creates an environment where the audience is supposed to laugh at something the character can’t actually help or control.

For the record, I do find the character funny. I don’t find him funny when what’s being used for the joke is an obvious nod toward his disorder. I do find him funny when he’s actually being funny. More on this as it comes up. He has lines that I still laugh at when I think of them.