Top Things You Should Know about Scrupulosity as a Church Leader
Bishops and other church leaders can play an important role in supporting members with symptoms of religious OCD. Here are the top 10 things to know.
Scrupulosity is not a faith crisis!
Scrupulosity is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not a problem of faith. It should be treated like a mental health problem with the support and guidance of a trained mental health professional.
OCD & Scrupulosity
Common symptoms of religious OCD include deep feelings of unworthiness, discomfort with aspects of spiritual practice that they used to enjoy, the constant need to confess to religious leaders or family members or to repent, and time-consuming rituals involving aspects of spiritual practice like prayer, scripture study, and temple attendance.
Reassuring someone with scrupulosity can often make things worse.
For example, a young woman begins approaching her bishop every week to confess “serious sins” that don’t seem like a big deal at all. The bishop patiently talks with her every week and reassures her that she is fine. She feels better for a day or two but then begins to experience the same doubts, and the cycle begins again.
Instead of reassurance, it is more helpful to embrace a “maybe, maybe not” approach.
We can never be 100% certain that our efforts are enough, but we can learn to increase our capacity to tolerate uncertainty and move forward in faith.
Keep a special eye out for youth and young adults.
Like many other mental health conditions, the most common age of onset for scrupulosity is late teens or early 20s. People in this age group are particularly vulnerable to developing symptoms.
LDS and Religious OCD
There is nothing about Latter-day Saints theology or doctrine that makes Latter-day Saints more vulnerable to religious OCD than people of other faiths. Studies have shown that rates of scrupulosity are roughly similar across religious groups.
There is a very effective treatment available for scrupulosity.
According to the International OCD Foundation, about 70% of people will have good improvement in their symptoms through a combination of medication and therapy.
It is definitely possible for people with religious OCD to serve missions, but preparation is key.
Encouraging young people with scrupulosity who are interested in serving missions to get treatment will help them understand their illness and learn skills to manage it.
If you are helping someone with scrupulosity get treatment, you want to encourage them to find a provider trained in Exposure and Response Prevention. A great place to start is the International OCD Foundation Provider Directory.
Start Treatment for Scrupulosity in Provo, UT
As time permits, I am always happy to provide consultations to bishops, stake presidents, and other ecclesiastical leaders who are working to support members with religious OCD. I am happy to offer support in Utah and additional states. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
Reach out or contact me at claire@mountainhomeocd.com to request a meeting.
Talk with a compassionate therapist
Start managing scrupulosity and OCD symptoms!
Explore Comprehensive Therapy Services
At the Mountain Home Center for Religious and Moral OCD, I offer a variety of evidence-based treatments beyond religious OCD to help you achieve mental well-being. Other services offered include specialized care for various OCD themes, anxiety disorders, and religious challenges. Understanding the unique struggles faced by Latter-day Saints, I am dedicated to providing compassionate, tailored support. Whether you're dealing with scrupulosity, relationship OCD, or general anxiety, I am here to help you find peace and improve your quality of life. Explore all our services and start your journey to recovery from religious OCD by reaching out today. Together, we can work towards a life of balance, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.
