Obsessive-compulsive disorder, an Islamic view

Abstract

Objective The aim of this work was to study obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from the Islamic viewpoint and programs of Islamic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in OCD. Background OCD in Arab and Islamic populations is mostly viewed and managed from a religious perspective, and these individuals are often more religious and more likely to seek out religious counseling and less likely to receive medical treatment. Most early Islamic scholars associated most cases of OCD to the devil and related it to religion; they established Islamic legislations on the basis of this concept. Research from the Islamic viewpoint on issues linked to these disorders can prevent exploitation of patients by swindlers and imposters on the basis of religion. Methods The authors performed a systematic review and a narrative synthesis of studies; relevant publications were identified, reference lists were examined, and citation searches were performed. No restrictions on date or type of study were applied. Recent findings Religious patients receiving religious psychotherapy showed significantly more rapid improvement, and required lower dosage of medications and for periods less than others. The role of religion as CBT could be significant in the Islamic culture. Conclusion OCD is quite different from the whispers of Satan or self-talk by the Islamic understanding. Islamic legislation for patients with OCDs has to be revised in accordance with changes in the concept of obsessions in Islamic considerate. The religious component in CBT can be effective for religion-oriented OCD patients in Islamic culture. Education on OCD and specialized treatment trainings in religious settings could be beneficial to providing therapies. The correct teachings of Islam provide adequate support for individuals with scrupulous obsessions.