EP. 80 Unpacking OCD Part 2: Biblical Conceptualization of OCD

Biblical Concepualization of OCD 300.3

Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both:

Obsessions are conceptualized by the following:

Fallen World—There is empirical evidence that obsessions are strongly influenced by factors associated with living in a fallen world (i.e., brain structure, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse at a young age).   

Fear—Obsessions within this diagnosis are typically associated with perceived and potentially dreadful outcomes.  For example, becoming contaminated by germs or unbiblical ideas about being condemned by God.

Deception—Obsessions are products of a deceptive heart (Jeremiah 17:9), and are not rooted in actual, objective reality.  

Self-Focus—Since obsessions create significant distress and anxiety, they will often contribute to an excessive and extreme form of self-focus wherein the vast amount of a person’s cognitive activity and life is centered on his/her subjective reality.

Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both:

Compulsions are conceptualized by the following:

Control—Unlike obsessions (which are involuntary), compulsions are learned behaviors that are an attempt to control one’s sense of anxiety or distress as well as perceived threats or dreadful outcomes.

Deception—Compulsions “feel” uncontrollable, but this is simply another agonizing deception of the heart that is associated with this particular diagnosis.  Additionally, compulsions ultimately do not effectively treat the haunting obsessions that create distress in people.

Folly—Defined as a lack of normal prudence and foresight (especially in reference to God). When an individual follows his/her own folly it turns his/her world upside down(Proverbs 19:3).  

Counsel may increase fear/anger/distress:
When being counseled or treated, counselees are confronted with new ways of seeing and experiencing, and this may manifest increased fear and anger.