Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
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If you’ve been experiencing unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviours, this OCD screening tool can help you better understand your symptoms. Designed to take just 5–10 minutes, it’s based on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory – Revised (OCI-R), a validated tool widely used by mental health professionals. The test is completely anonymous and confidential, providing a safe space to explore your experiences.
What is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition marked by intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to ease that distress. OCD is not about being neat or organized, it can significantly impact daily life.
Disclaimer: This is a screening tool only, not a diagnosis. OCD is treatable; discuss results with a GP or mental health professional.
OCD is a mental health condition characterized by obsessions—unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress. Common themes include fear of contamination, harm to self or others, need for symmetry, unwanted sexual or violent thoughts, religious or moral concerns, and fear of losing important items.
To manage the anxiety caused by obsessions, individuals perform compulsions, which are repetitive behaviours or mental acts such as excessive washing, checking locks or appliances, counting, arranging objects precisely, seeking reassurance, or engaging in mental rituals like praying or repeating words.
The typical OCD cycle follows: Obsession → Anxiety → Compulsion → Temporary relief → Obsession returns.
OCD vs Normal Worries: Everyone experiences intrusive thoughts or likes order, but OCD differs because the thoughts are persistent and uncontrollable, cause significant distress, consume time (often over an hour daily), and interfere with work, relationships, or daily functioning even though the person recognizes the behaviour is excessive.
To complete this OCD screening test, read each statement carefully and rate how much it has bothered you in the past month. Be honest about the frequency and impact of your experiences, and focus on your typical patterns rather than just a single bad day. There are no right or wrong answers, but answering all questions ensures the most accurate results.
Rating scale: For each statement, indicate how much it has distressed or bothered you:
Answer the following statements based on how much they have bothered you in the past month. Use the rating scale: Not at all (0) | A little (1) | Moderately (2) | A lot (3) | Extremely (4).
For each statement, select the option that best represents your experience over the past month. Be honest and reflect on your usual behaviour and thoughts, not just on rare or extreme occasions. Completing all 18 items ensures the most accurate understanding of your OCD symptoms.
To calculate your score, add up the ratings from all 18 questions. Total possible score: 0–72 points.
Score Interpretation:
Subscale Patterns: The OCI-R measures six symptom areas, helping identify specific OCD tendencies:
You may score high in one or more areas, which can guide understanding of your symptom patterns.
If You Scored 42+ (High Likelihood)
Your responses strongly suggest symptoms consistent with OCD, likely causing distress and interfering with daily life.
Next steps:
Important to know: OCD is a recognised medical condition, highly treatable. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is very effective, and medication may help alongside therapy. You don’t have to live with these symptoms.
If You Scored 21–41 (Moderate Concerns)
You may be experiencing some obsessive-compulsive symptoms affecting your life. While not meeting full OCD criteria, attention is warranted.
Next steps:
Keep in mind: Early intervention can prevent escalation. Even subclinical symptoms benefit from treatment. OCD can co-occur with other conditions like anxiety or depression.
If You Scored 0–20 (Lower Range)
Your responses don’t strongly suggest OCD, though discussion with a healthcare professional can provide reassurance. Everyone has occasional intrusive thoughts, and liking order doesn’t mean OCD. If symptoms are new or worsening, trust your instincts and seek advice.
OCD is highly treatable, and most people experience significant improvement with proper care. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective treatment. ERP gradually exposes you to feared situations, helping you resist compulsions and tolerate anxiety. Over time, anxiety naturally decreases. Treatment typically involves 12–20 sessions, either individually or in groups.
How ERP Works:
Medication:
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are first-line medications, often used alongside therapy. Higher doses may be needed than for depression, with effects seen in 8–12 weeks. Common SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine.
Combined Treatment:
For moderate to severe OCD, combining CBT with ERP and medication is often most effective.
Self-Help Strategies:
With proper treatment, recovery is achievable, and individuals can regain control over their thoughts, behaviours, and daily life.
Recovery is possible. Many people achieve significant symptom reduction; some recover completely, while others learn to manage symptoms effectively. Relapse can happen, but therapy tools and coping strategies help you regain control.
Lifestyle Factors That Help:
When to Seek Additional Help:
For Family and Friends:
Myth: OCD is just about being clean and organised.
Reality: OCD involves distressing obsessions and compulsions across many themes, not just cleanliness.
Myth: Everyone’s a little bit OCD.
Reality: OCD is a serious disorder causing significant impairment, not a personality quirk.
Myth: People with OCD can just stop if they try.
Reality: OCD has a neurobiological component; professional treatment is needed.
Myth: OCD can’t be treated.
Reality: OCD is highly treatable with proper therapy.
Myth: Medication is the only option.
Reality: CBT with ERP is often more effective; combined treatment works best.
This screening is based on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory – Revised (OCI-R).
Reference:
Foa, E.B., Huppert, J.D., Leiberg, S., Langner, R., Kichic, R., Hajcak, G., & Salkovskis, P.M. (2002). The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory: Development and validation of a short version. Psychological Assessment, 14(4), 485–495.Important Disclaimer:
This online screening tool is not a diagnostic instrument. It provides guidance only and cannot replace evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. OCD diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment. If symptoms cause significant distress or impairment, contact your GP for proper assessment and treatment. This tool is for informational purposes only, and no personal health information is stored (GDPR compliant).