Chapter 2
What is scrupulosity?
Scrupulosity is a form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Obsessions: intrusive, repeated or unwanted thoughts, images, sensations or urges
Compulsions: physical and/or mental behaviors performed in response to obsessions in order to reduce distress or prevent a perceived bad outcome from happening
Term scrupulosity comes from the Latin word “scrupulum” which means “sharp stone” and refers to a stabbing pain on the conscience.
Origin in the 12th century when the Roman Catholic Church used the term to describe people who were overly concerned with their sins and performed compulsive acts to atone for them.
Onset and diagnosis
Typical age of onset either between 8 and 12 or, more commonly, late teens/early 20s
Approximately 1 in 100 adults (or 2-3 million in the United States) and 1 in 200 kids and teens (or about 500,000 youth in the United States) have OCD
In secular, Western countries, up to a third of people with OCD may have some symptoms of scrupulosity
About 5% of people with OCD have primary scrupulosity
What causes scrupulosity?
Problem in the communication between the front part of the brain and the deeper structures of the brain
Involves dysfunction in structures that use the neurotransmitter serotonin
Research suggests that OCD runs in families and that genes likely play a role in the development of OCD
Role of environmental factors is not clearly understood