Scrupulosity

Scrupulosity is a psychological disorder characterized by pathological guilt about moral or religious issues. It is personally distressing, objectively dysfunctional, and often accompanied by significant impairment in social functioning. It is typically conceptualized as a moral or religious form of Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), although this categorization is empirically disputable.

The term is derived from the Latin scrupulum, a sharp stone, implying a stabbing pain on the conscience. Scrupulosity was formerly called scruples in religious contexts, but the word has evolved to imply a disorder. Persons with this disorder are overly concerned that something they thought or did might be a sin or other violation of moral doctrine.

Symptoms

Scrupulosity is a subtype of Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Common symptoms of this disorder include obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors about religious or moral issues. People with scrupulosity often fear that their thoughts or behaviors might be a sin or other violation of religious doctrine.

Treatment

The primary treatments for scrupulosity are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBT for scrupulosity involves challenging the irrational beliefs and reducing the compulsive behaviors.

See also

• Obsessive–compulsive disorder
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

References

Scrupulosity Resources
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