That\u27s So OCD! : A Qualitative Study Revealing Common Misconceptions About Christianity and OCD

Although obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively well-known psychological disorder, what many do not know is that 10%-33% of OCD cases are actually scrupulosity (Miller & Hedges, 2008). Scrupulosity (SC) is a subtype of OCD with obsessions and compulsions focused on religious and moral themes. Scrupulous individuals experience intrusive thoughts related to breaking religious or moral codes and compulsions manifest as religious observance that far exceeds normal religious requirement (i.e. excessive prayer, repeated confessing, etc.) (Dehlin et al., 2013; Huppert, Siev, & Kushner, 2007). Because SC manifests so differently from “typical” OCD, the individual, as well as members of the faith community, may not recognize their so-called spiritual struggles are actually OCD. Consequentially, scrupulous individuals are more likely to consult members of clergy to relieve their obsessional distress. This can be problematic since clergy are often unaware of how their position and authority may reinforce scrupulous symptoms by providing temporary reassurance that neutralizes obsessions (Huppert et al., 2007; Pirutinsky, Rosmarin, & Pargament, 2009). Thus, this interview-based study explores the unique challenges and subjective experiences of Christian college students with SC-OCD. We sought to dispel common misconceptions about what it means to have OCD and to better understand how SC differs from healthy spirituality. We interviewed 13 individuals with diagnosed OCD (Males = 3, Females = 10). The results indicate three main themes among participants: persistent impeded spiritual functioning, significant suffering and hopelessness, and worsening symptoms as the result of inappropriate advice from Christians unfamiliar with SC-OCD