Are you experiencing obsessive thoughts or compulsions? Try my simple test below and gain some insight.
The following test is not a diagnostic tool. It is a tool that can indicate symptoms of OCD (i.e., repetitive thoughts or cycles of thoughts, incessant rumination, or compulsive acts that cannot be stopped). In the event you have more than 5 symptoms, you should talk to a psychotherapist, clinical mental health counselor, or psychiatrist—a medical professional with the credentials to diagnose OCD. The symptoms need to be present at least once a day on most days.
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by two core components:
- Obsessions: Recurrent, persistent thoughts, urges, or images that feel intrusive and unwanted. They often cause significant anxiety or distress.
- Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. These are aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event, even when the connection is unrealistic.
Many individuals with OCD experience both obsessions and compulsions, though one may be more prominent than the other. The symptoms are time-consuming and interfere with daily life, work, and relationships.
Take the OCD Symptom Inventory
This inventory was created by Maria Micha, Clinical Mental Health Counselor. It is not a diagnostic tool, but it can offer valuable insight. Read each question honestly. Note how often these experiences occur in your daily life. For the inventory to be meaningful, symptoms should be present at least once a day on most days.
- Are you experiencing recurrent and insistent thoughts, compulsions, urges, and impulses that you find difficult to disengage from, whilst they disturb your daily routine and cause significant anxiety?
- Are you feeling unable to control the repetitive and persistent thoughts or compulsive behaviour?
- Are you trying to neutralize or ignore the thoughts, urges, or compulsions through performing a particular ritual in an attempt to free yourself from the disturbing feelings? Yet, the obsessive urge soon returns. Does it feel there is no escape?
- Are you feeling unable to control or stop repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, checking the news, checking your phone, or checking electrical appliances?
- Are you feeling unable to control or stop repetitive mental actions such as counting and repeating words or phrases?
- Are you feeling compelled to live in absolute order and symmetry? Do you correct your surrounding environment in order to achieve the acceptable levels of order and symmetry?
- Do you feel doom will follow if you don’t perform the obsessive routine rigidly?
- Are you experiencing challenges in concentrating? Do you feel that your mind is racing whilst you are compelled to keep thinking, behaving, and adhering to the obsessive routine?
- Do you experience insurmountable irritability if you cannot engage in the compulsive routine of thoughts, words, or actions that will neutralize the anticipated catastrophe?
- Do you realize that the anticipated doom is not realistically connected to the thoughts and actions you feel compelled to carry out?
- Are you having trouble maintaining close friendships and intimate relationships due to your obsessive thinking and compulsive acts or urges?
- Are you experiencing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors about food intake (i.e., orthorexia, anorexia, bulimia, counting calories)?
- Are you having unwanted and persistent aggressive or sexual thoughts or urges?
- Are you excessively scared of germs, viruses, or contamination?
- Are you hoarding items that you don’t need or that are damaged? Can you throw away items that belong to a different developmental era (i.e., items from past school years, redundant younger children’s items, old notebooks, books)?
- Are you picking your skin to the extent of causing self-harm (bleeding, cutting, scratching, hair or eyebrow pulling, eating your nails, picking wounds)?
What Your Results May Indicate
If you have more than 5 of the symptoms listed, it is advisable to make an appointment with a certified mental health professional. A psychotherapist, clinical mental health counselor, or psychiatrist can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide an accurate diagnosis.
OCD can be manifested in various forms and is usually presented with symptoms of depression or excessive anxiety. Hence, affected individuals would be benefited by seeking treatment for OCD. In the absence of treatment, individuals living with OCD can deteriorate, and the potential comorbid symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality can be magnified. The earlier treatment is sought, the less disrupted life will be.
Why Seeking Help Matters
OCD is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It is a recognized mental health condition with effective treatment options. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), have helped countless individuals regain control over their lives. The journey begins with reaching out.
OCD and Relationships
Individuals with OCD experience tremendous difficulties maintaining intimate relationships, as their partners often find their life together is significantly disrupted by the obsessive thoughts, compulsions, and anticipated doom. If your relationships are suffering, seeking help is an act of care not only for yourself but also for those who love you.
A Final Word
Living with untreated OCD can feel isolating and exhausting. The constant cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals can consume hours of your day and leave you feeling drained. But there is hope.
The symptoms you are experiencing are not your fault. They are patterns that can be understood, managed, and healed. By taking the step to recognize what is happening, you have already begun the journey toward freedom.
