When Religion and Morals Become OCD: Understanding and Treating Scrupulosity

(Hardback)

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Description

This essential resource brings recognition to scrupulosity and moral perfectionism, an often overlooked and misunderstood subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Two to three percent of the global population suffer from OCD. Of that number, approximately five percent of OCD sufferers report having religious or moral obsessions. Scrupulosity, an often under-recognized subtype of OCD, leads those affected to mistake clinical OCD symptoms for committing sins, offending God, or being morally corrupt. Many people with scrupulosity or moral perfectionism turn to clergy for help rather than a mental health professional. This book, authored by a therapist among the most experienced in the world in dealing with this disorder, covers the symptoms, diagnosis, history, development, causes, and treatment of scrupulosity. Intended for students, mental health professionals, and clergy, this essential resource includes the latest theory, research, treatments, and case studies necessary to recognize and destigmatize scrupulosity as well as encourage optimal treatment outcomes and relapse prevention.

Reviews

Leslie Shapiro is a highly skilled mental health clinician and author who has treated hundreds of patients with OCD and related disorders. Her expertise in OCD, especially scrupulosity obsessions and compulsions, enables her to apply theoretical models and research findings to promote best practices for patients, family members, and community members. Her astute observations are evident in this important book. * Gail Steketee, Professor Emerita, Boston University *
This book, written by an OCD expert with decades of experience, will be a valuable addition to any clinician's library. Leslie Shapiro has worked with patients with severe OCD in a residential setting at the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital since its inception and her sharing her insights garnered during her career is an invaluable addition to the field. If one wishes to go beyond the standard treatment guidelines towards even more real-world experience, this is the book for you! * Darin D. Dougherty, MD MMSc, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School *

Author Bio

Leslie J. Shapiro is a residential-level behavior therapist for treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) at the OCD Institute at McLean Hospital, USA.