OCD Subtype:
Moral Scrupulosity
Scrupulosity OCD (also called Moral OCD) is a subtype in which doubts and fears focus on morality, ethics, values—what it means to be “good” or “bad.” Rather than simply having strong beliefs, you may feel haunted by questions like, “Did I do something immoral—even if I don’t remember?” or “What if people think less of me if they knew my thoughts?” You might replay past actions or thoughts over and over, trying to figure out if you violated some moral rule. Rituals often follow, like seeking endless reassurance, confessing perceived wrongs, or performing “good deeds” to offset the guilt.
What makes it especially painful is that no amount of proof feels enough, and guilt or fear returns. Over time, what was meaningful or sacred can start to feel oppressive, because the OCD is enforcing rigid rules and demanding moral perfection. This isn’t about your character; it’s the OCD hijacking your faith, spirituality and beliefs, turning them into sources of suffering.
Scrupulosity OCD can sound like:
Maybe I don’t truly believe in God anymore.
What if I’ve committed a terrible sin?
What if I’ve offended God?
Maybe every small mistake I make is a sin.
What if I didn’t pray correctly, or what if I had an impure thought while praying?
What if this is a punishment from God?
Moral OCD can sound like:
I might be secretly unethical or manipulative.
Could I be the kind of person who fails to live up to my own standards without even knowing it?
Did I lie on purpose?
What if I’m hiding something even from myself?
Maybe it’s safer to avoid people altogether than risk offending someone.
What if I’m not as good of a person as I think I am?
Common Scrupulosity Obsessions
Excessive concern with getting in trouble or breaking rules.
Preoccupation with moral correctness.
Worrying that others would reject you if they knew about your thoughts.
Fear of going to hell or committing blasphemy.
Fear of thinking or saying something offensive, inappropriate or disrespectful.
Fear that you aren’t being 100% honest.
Fear of being inauthentic, fake or dishonest.
Common Scrupulosity Compulsions
Confessing thoughts or actions you worry were immoral.
Excessive apologizing for even minor or imagined missteps.
Washing, checking, or other rituals linked to feeling morally contaminated.
Rationalizing past events over and over to convince yourself they weren’t wrong.
Performing mental rituals to feel morally “clean” like replacing “bad thoughts” with positive ones.
Compulsive praying and asking for forgiveness.
OCD Attacks
Your Belief System
Treatment helps you reclaim it
When guilt and fear keep running the show, life can feel like you’re constantly on trial—always defending your character, your faith, or your values, yet never finding peace. Scrupulosity and Moral OCD convince you that you can’t trust yourself, keeping you stuck in self-doubt instead of bringing you closer to what is important to you.
The problem isn’t your morals or your faith—it’s OCD twisting them against you. With the right treatment, you can untangle your faith and values from OCD’s grip and start living with clarity, peace, and freedom.
If you’re ready to stop defending yourself against OCD’s false accusations and start moving forward with clarity and confidence, help is here.