OCD and the Fear of Making the Wrong Decision: Understanding Indecisiveness and Moral Scrupulosity

OCD can target anything—and that includes decision-making. For some people, even the smallest choice feels loaded with anxiety. What if I make the wrong call? What if I hurt someone? What if this says something terrible about who I am?

This form of OCD often shows up as:

• Decision paralysis over everyday choices (what to eat, what to wear)

• Moral scrupulosity, or intense anxiety over being a “good” person or making the ethically right decision

• Endless rumination about past choices

• Seeking reassurance from others about whether a choice was "right"

Why It Happens

At its core, OCD is about intolerance of uncertainty. Decisions are full of unknowns. The compulsive need to be 100% sure can keep someone stuck, afraid to move forward.

How ERP Can Help

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps individuals confront the fear of making a mistake and resist the urge to overanalyze or seek reassurance. Over time, ERP helps build confidence in one’s ability to tolerate uncertainty and live with the normal discomfort of decision-making.

You Are Not Alone

If this is you, know that you’re not broken or overdramatic. You’re not a bad person for wanting to get it "just right." With the right support, you can start making decisions with greater ease—and with less fear.