OCD Through Cultural and Religious Prisms: Judaism and Islam
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a multifaceted mental health condition impacting individuals globally. While the fundamental symptoms of OCD—obsessions and compulsions—remain consistent, their expression and management can differ considerably due to sociocultural influences. Recognising these cultural nuances is paramount for delivering effective and culturally sensitive treatment (Williams, Rouleau, La Torre, & Sharif, 2020).
Cultural Nuances of OCD in Judaism
Religious Rituals: Jewish practices, including daily prayers (Shacharit, Mincha, Maariv) and hand washing (Netilat Yadayim), involve repetitive actions. For those with OCD, these rituals may become excessively prolonged due to fears of impurity or incorrect execution (Greenberg & Witztum, 2001).
Religious Obligations: Jewish laws (Halacha) stress ritual purity and strict adherence to commandments. This can amplify OCD symptoms, as individuals may become excessively concerned with religious duties, fearing divine punishment or spiritual impurity if rituals are not performed perfectly (Abramowitz, Huppert, Cohen, Tolin, & Cahill, 2002).
Support and Stigma: Jewish communities often have strong support systems, including family and communal structures. However, stigma surrounding mental health may lead individuals to seek help from religious leaders rather than mental health professionals (Greenberg, 2015).
Cultural Nuances of OCD in Islam
Religious Practices: Islamic practices like frequent washing (Wudu) and specific prayer routines (Salat) are fundamental. Individuals with OCD might fear not being pure enough, resulting in excessive washing or repeated prayers (Kadri, 2004).
Religious Beliefs: Concepts of purity, sin, and guilt can exacerbate OCD symptoms. The idea of ‘Waswasa’ (whispering of Shaytan) aligns closely with OCD obsessions, as it refers to intrusive thoughts attributed to the devil (Al-Solaim & Loewenthal, 2011).
Community and Help-Seeking: In Islamic contexts, Imams play a significant role and can offer spiritual guidance. However, mental health stigma may lead individuals to prefer spiritual healing over professional medical help (Weatherhead & Daiches, 2010).
Appreciating the intricate interplay between cultural norms, religious practices, and OCD in Judaism and Islam underscores the necessity for culturally competent care. Mental health professionals must consider these nuances to provide effective support and treatment for those with OCD. Additionally, fostering open dialogue within these communities about mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek both spiritual and professional assistance.
References
· Abramowitz, J. S., Huppert, J. D., Cohen, A. B., Tolin, D. F., & Cahill, S. P. (2002). Religious obsessions and compulsions in a non-clinical sample: The Penn Inventory of Scrupulosity (PIOS). Behaviour Research and Therapy, 40(7), 825-838.
· Al-Solaim, L., & Loewenthal, K. M. (2011). Religion and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among young Muslim women in Saudi Arabia. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 14(2), 169-182.
· Greenberg, D. (2015). The link between Judaism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In D. Greenberg, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: An Information Guide (pp. 35-40). Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
· Greenberg, D., & Witztum, E. (2001). Sanity and sanctity: Mental health work among the ultra-orthodox in Jerusalem. Yale University Press.
· Kadri, N. (2004). The impact of the religious environment on mental health in Morocco. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 50(4), 277-285.
· Weatherhead, S., & Daiches, A. (2010). Muslim views on mental health and psychotherapy. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 83(1), 75-89.
· Williams, M. T., Rouleau, T. M., La Torre, J. T., & Sharif, N. (2020). Cultural competency in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Practitioner guidelines.
· Yang, Y. H., Moulding, R., Nedeljkovic, M., Foroughi, E., Doron, G., & Kyrios, M. (2023). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Cultural Issues.