OCD Screening Test
A free screening based on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R)
About This Test
The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) is a validated self-report measure for assessing OCD symptoms. Developed by Edna Foa and colleagues, it evaluates six key dimensions of obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Source: Based on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R)
Understanding OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by two core components: obsessions (unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce that anxiety). Contrary to popular misconceptions, OCD is not simply about being neat or organized. It is a debilitating condition that can consume hours of a person's day and cause tremendous distress. OCD affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and without treatment, it tends to persist and can worsen over time.
Key Signs & Symptoms
Intrusive Thoughts
Persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress. These often involve themes of contamination, harm, symmetry, or taboo subjects.
Compulsive Behaviors
Repetitive actions performed to reduce anxiety from obsessions - such as checking, washing, counting, or arranging - that are excessive and time-consuming.
Avoidance
Going out of your way to avoid triggers - certain places, objects, people, or situations that provoke obsessive thoughts.
Need for Reassurance
Repeatedly seeking reassurance from others that your fears are unfounded, or mentally reviewing events to make sure nothing bad happened.
Time-Consuming Rituals
Spending an hour or more per day on obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, significantly interfering with daily routines.
Distress When Interrupted
Significant anxiety, discomfort, or a sense that something is "not right" when you are unable to complete a ritual or compulsion.
OCD by the Numbers
2.5%
of the global population is affected by OCD at some point in their lives
1 in 40
adults in the U.S. lives with OCD
14-17
years is the average delay between symptom onset and receiving treatment
70%
of people with OCD benefit significantly from ERP therapy
Who Should Take This Test?
Consider taking this screening if any of the following apply to you:
You experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause you distress and are difficult to dismiss
You perform repetitive behaviors or mental rituals to cope with anxiety (e.g., checking, counting, washing)
You spend a significant amount of time each day on obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors
You avoid certain places, activities, or situations because they trigger unwanted thoughts
OCD-like symptoms are interfering with your work, relationships, or quality of life
You want to understand whether your experiences may be consistent with OCD
How It Works
Answer Honestly
Respond to 6 questions about your recent experiences. There are no right or wrong answers.
Get Your Results
Receive an instant, personalized assessment of your symptoms with clinical context.
Find Support
Browse therapists who specialize in treating what you're experiencing.
What Your Score Means
Treatment Options for OCD
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
The gold standard treatment for OCD. Involves gradually confronting feared situations while resisting the urge to perform compulsions, breaking the OCD cycle over time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps identify and challenge the distorted beliefs that fuel OCD, such as overestimation of threat, inflated responsibility, and intolerance of uncertainty.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Teaches you to accept intrusive thoughts without acting on them and to commit to living according to your values rather than being controlled by OCD.
Medication (SSRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line medication for OCD and can be used alone or in combination with ERP therapy for enhanced results.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you are spending more than an hour a day on obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, if these symptoms cause significant distress, or if they interfere with your ability to function at work, school, or in relationships, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional - ideally one who specializes in OCD. Many people with OCD suffer for years before receiving proper treatment. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can start feeling better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the anxiety caused by those thoughts.
Is OCD just about being clean or organized?
No. While contamination fears and ordering are common OCD themes, OCD can involve many types of intrusive thoughts, including harm, relationships, religion, and more. The defining feature is the distress caused by unwanted thoughts and the compulsive behaviors used to cope.
What is ERP therapy?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy considered the gold standard for OCD treatment. It involves gradually facing feared situations while learning to resist performing compulsions.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser and are never sent to our servers or stored in any database.
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This screening tool is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed mental health professional for clinical evaluation.