When obsessive-compulsive disorder stains religion, as explained in “The Negative Effects of Scrupulosity,” it can turn one’s spiritual life into a fearful and depressing experience. But what is the cause of religious OCD? Is religion to blame for scrupulosity? The answer, as explained in this article, is a definitive “no.”
The Danger of Thinking That Religion Causes Scrupulosity
Though each OCD sufferer experiences scrupulosity differently, many afflicted by the disease perform excessive prayers, obsess over morality and sin and constantly fear punishment from God. Those ignorant of obsessive-compulsive disorder may figure that, based on these symptoms, religion is to blame for the obsessions and compulsions that one may experience.
This mistaken inference is damaging for both religious and non-religious people. Those against religious practice might cite the experience of the scrupulous as “proof” that religion is a harmful thing, thus deluding themselves and hindering their potential relationship with God. The religious fare just as poorly; they may fear that their own faith is causing their excessive apologies and pronounced depression, limiting their ability to function in their spiritual community and hindering proper treatment for scrupulosity. Worst of all, the scrupulous may fear that abandoning God and religion is the only way to end their symptoms – a possibility whether the OCD sufferer is aware of their disease or not.
When the scrupulous think that religion is the cause of OCD, their spiritual life is in danger of fading – or ending altogether. This is why proper education on the cause of OCD is absolutely crucial.
The Real Cause of OCD
Carol E. Watkins, MD, in her article Scrupulosity: Religious Obsessions and Compulsions, explains that “Religious faith and religious education are not generally the causes of scrupulosity.” She adds that “OCD appears to be a biologically-based disorder,” meaning that one’s current religious beliefs are not to blame for the effects of scrupulosity.
This finding has multiple impacts. First, it shows that the scrupulous do not apologize excessively and obsess because of the requirements of their religion, but because of innate biological characteristics. And in almost every case, it is one’s biology — not one’s excessive sinning — that results in constant apologies and a dread of God’s punishment.
Since the cause of OCD is medical, the plan for treating scrupulosity be medical as well. The scrupulous may think that the cure for their obsessive prayer and constant fear is to sin less – a near-impossible task given their already strict obedience to religious ideals. Though spiritual counseling is still important in treating OCD, medication and psychiatric or psychological support is crucial in decreasing the symptoms of scrupulosity.
Often, scrupulosity is punctuated by intrusive and disturbing thoughts about harming God, renouncing faith and desires to do evil. This condition is known as “Pure-O” OCD, and is explained in more detail in the article Afraid of Your Own Thoughts?
Religion’s Role in Combating OCD
The treatment for scrupulosity requires medical intervention, as explained above. However, God and religion can play an important role in treating religious OCD sufferers.
Whatever their religion, the scrupulous often feel that God demands perfection in all religious activities, and that obsessive devotion to religious laws and ordinances is necessary. The scrupulous also feel that God is angry at them for sins that may or may not have been committed.
With proper counseling from a spiritual leader, scrupulosity sufferers can discover that religion should be an uplifting and joy-filled experience, rather than a fearful and saddening one. With time and an openness to change, the scrupulous can have a richer and happier spiritual life than they did before the disease struck.
The cause of OCD is not, as some might claim, religious, though its treatment can certainly include spiritual support from spiritual professionals and God Himself. With a proper understanding of scrupulosity, along with long-term treatment plans, those suffering from religious obsessive-compulsive disorder can discover a more loving and forgiving side of God.
For more information on Christian scrupulosity, read When OCD Stains Religion.
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