Religious OCD
Religious or scrupulosity obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an OCD subtype characterized by ongoing intrusive thoughts, images or urges, as well as compulsive behaviors or mental actions around violating a religious, moral or ethical belief. People with religious or scrupulosity OCD experience frequent worry and guilt about violating a religious or ethical code and what it means about them as a person (e.g., “Did I allow myself to have an “impure” thought in church? Does it mean that I’m a sinner and must repent?”). The guilt and anxiety drive these people to engage in various compulsions aimed to alleviate their distress (e.g., confessing to a religious figure).
Common OCD Fears
Fear of going to hell
Obsessing over punishment and religious expectations is common for those experiencing a fear of going to hell in OCD.
Learn moreWhat if I have committed a sin and don’t remember?
Discover how Scrupulosity OCD or False Memory OCD can cause worry about committing sins you can't remember, and ways to overcome these fears.
Learn moreFear of spending money: Is it OCD, OCPD, or Chrometophobia?”
A person who struggles with “Just Right” (Perfectionism) OCD or Scrupulosity OCD may experience a persistent fear of spending money.
Learn moreFear of being a bad person
OCD focused on fear of being a bad person involves recurrent, persistent, unwanted and intrusive thoughts or images about being a bad person.
Learn moreExcessive apologizing – Is it OCD?
Excessive apologizing is common in OCD. Often, people with OCD feel the urge to compulsively apologize when it is not needed.
Learn moreOCD as a Christian: How to Understand and Cope With Religion-Based Fears
Christianity OCD is a theme within Scrupulosity OCD, the main obsessive thoughts or doubts involve Christian beliefs.
Learn moreAtheism scrupulosity
Scrupulosity OCD centered on Atheism involves fears and doubts about whether there might be a higher power.
Learn moreIslamic scrupulosity
Islamic OCD involves fears about not being a perfect Muslim, or offending or speaking blasphemy against Muslim one's faith.
Learn moreJewish scrupulosity
Judaism-related Scrupulosity OCD involves fears that one is not following the laws set forth by one’s Rabbi or Jewish scripture, knowingly or unknowingly.
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