much from myself I can tell you it is horrible to feel like nothing you do is good enough. Most people cannot relate because it is not logical.
It is called maladaptive perfectionism... I am pretty sure it is what Karen Carpender probably had. That lady had the voice of an angel and such control... but as I understand it she never realize it... and we all know what happened to her.
I learned after becoming a parent... slowly... that there is truly no such thing as perfection, though I still find myself expecting too much from myself much of the time. Just a few years ago as I finished up my degree... not only did I want an A... I also expected myself to be the first one to submit my work each week. Still, I am much better than I was when I was young.
I think that is what is going on with Adam. He truly thinks anything less than perfect is a failure... and it sounds like his family have contributed to this.