What is Religious OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is defined by intrusive, unwanted thoughts and anxiety (obsessions) about certain things, as well as the activities (compulsions) that those with the disorder engage in to calm their fear. This specific anxiety illness is a severe ailment that frequently fills the victim's thoughts with worry and takes control of their lives.

OCD is a widespread condition with numerous subgroups; in the case of religious OCD (also called scrupulosity), the individual is obsessed with obsessions that are founded in religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or around convictions about morality. This type of OCD is characterized by compulsive religious rituals, avoidance, reassurance seeking, unwanted blasphemous ideas and imagery, as well as obsessive religious concerns and worries.

When someone has religious OCD, they consistently have unfavorable thoughts regarding their spiritual life. These obsessions frequently get in the way of regular life. It could be difficult for people to ignore or suppress these ideas.

Some examples of religious obsessions are as follows:

• Fear of lacking sufficient faith

• Fear of entering hell

• Fear of breaking a person's religious beliefs or of being defiled

• Fear of engaging in unethical behavior

People with OCD engage in compulsions as a coping mechanism for their obsessions. These are frequently time-consuming, repetitive tasks that the person does not find enjoyable. When someone is unable to fulfill their compulsions, their anxiety may quickly worsen. Religious themes may or may not be present in the compulsions of people with OCD.

Religious compulsions include, for example –:

• Attending religious services far more frequently than is customary for one's particular religion.

• Seeking out the guidance of religious leaders regularly.

• Extreme self-sacrificing or self-denial activities.

• Persistent meditation, mantra recitation, or purification practices. (For instance, someone may practice praying several times to ensure they are saying it correctly.)

In contrast to regular religious participation, spiritual compulsions are frequently driven more by fear than by faith. Many times, individuals are aware that giving in to a compulsion won't stop their concerns from materializing. Nonetheless, they might think that engaging in these compulsions is the only way to calm their worry.

Causes of religious OCD

Religious OCD can have many different root causes. Yet, some elements raise danger, such as:

• Being brought up in a religious setting

• Experiencing conflict with parents or other adults

• Trauma inflicted early in life

• Suffer from anxiety disorders

Treatment for religious OCD

You might have disturbing ideas about religion or God if you have religious OCD. Anxiety and distress might result from these thoughts. If ignored, these issues can worsen and interfere with day-to-day activities.

These are some choices for religious OCD therapy:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Several types of anxiety, including OCD-related anxiety, can be treated with this kind of therapy. Those who receive cognitive behavioral therapy are more able to recognize, comprehend, and resist automatic negative beliefs. When one is concerned about certain activities, like praying incorrectly, CBT might be more beneficial.

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy

If you have OCD, exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy may be able to help. Imagine you experience frequent intrusive ideas that push you to engage in particular religious purification rites because you feel like you have no control over your thoughts or actions. In that instance, ERP can aid in lowering your anxiety and distress.

ERP therapy focuses on exposing patients to their most feared ideas, things, circumstances, or images while teaching them to stop using their usual coping mechanisms. With the use of methods like meditation, yoga, mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises, you can learn how to deal with obsessions and compulsions.

Deep breathing

Useful breathing exercises might help you unwind physically. Your stress levels reduce when you take deep breaths. You may reduce your anxiety, quiet your thoughts, relax your muscles, boost your energy levels, and lower your heart rate by learning how to breathe deeply.

Meditation

When you meditate, you empty your mind of any thoughts other than your breath. Before executing chores, meditation can help you calm yourself and quiet your mind. You feel renewed and energized after you've meditated.

Yoga

Yoga helps you develop a mindful way of living. Simple yoga poses like downward facing, side plank and mountain poses can help you relax. Yoga teaches you to pay attention to your body and not overexert yourself if you need to rest.

Mindfulness

Being mindful means paying attention to what is going on around you without becoming preoccupied with your thoughts. It teaches your brain to concentrate on the here and now rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Through mindfulness, you develop more tolerance and come to terms with your religious OCD experiences. A crucial component of acceptance and commitment therapy is mindfulness.

Acceptance and commitment therapy

One type of treatment that greatly relieves OCD symptoms is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The way that ACT treats religious OCD is by locating and altering the unproductive thought and behavior patterns that are its root. You can alter the ingrained patterns that give rise to negative thoughts and actions.

The fundamental tenet of ACT is that our power over our ideas and feelings is lost if we can accept them without attempting to get rid of them. Determining and naming your obsessions and compulsions is therefore the first stage in treatment, giving you the chance to confront them. You may retake command of your life using this technique.

In conclusion, living with religious OCD can be overwhelming and challenging, but there is hope for healing and relief through online counseling and therapy. Seeking professional help is essential for managing intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and compulsions associated with this disorder. Online counseling offers a safe and supportive space to explore the root causes of religious OCD, develop coping strategies, and learn effective techniques for managing symptoms.

Therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, mindfulness practices, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can empower individuals to challenge negative thought patterns, confront fears, and regain control over their lives. Through counseling, individuals can develop resilience, cultivate self-awareness, and find inner peace amidst the turmoil of religious OCD.

Moreover, counseling provides a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where individuals can express their concerns, fears, and struggles without fear of stigma or shame. With the support of the best therapist in India, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with religious OCD, don't hesitate to seek online psychiatric consultation from a trusted Online Therapist. Consider getting in touch with the online mental health resource TalktoAngel which offers convenient access to experienced online psychiatrists and therapists who specialize in treating OCD and related disorders. Remember, you don't have to face religious OCD alone—reach out for support and take the first step towards reclaiming your well-being and peace of mind.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Ms. Samta Pareek, Counselling Psychologist