OCD Quiz: Do You Have Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

The following questionnaire will help you identify the types of problems and symptoms that most trouble you. Don’t be surprised if you check more than one item in several groups. Many people have more than one type of OCD symptoms. In addition, OCD can appear in many different forms so it is possible that your particular symptoms are not on this list.

Typical OCD Symptoms

What symptoms bothered you? Note how much each item bothered you or interfered with your life in the last month. If you avoided things due to these symptoms, take that into account in your rating. Rate them as follows:

0 = Did not bother me at all /no avoidance due to symptoms / did not interfere with my life

1 = Bothered me a little / some avoidance due to symptoms / interfered with my life a little

2 = Bothered me a moderate amount / avoided several things due to symptoms / interfered with my life quite a bit

3 = Bothered me a lot / avoided many things  due to symptoms / significant interference with my life

Washing and Cleaning
___ 1. I avoid touching certain things because of possible contamination.
___ 2. I have difficulty picking up items that have dropped on the floor.
___ 3. I clean my household excessively.
___ 4. I wash my hands excessively.
___ 5. I often take extremely long showers or baths.
___ 6. I’m overly concerned with germs and diseases.

Checking and Repeating
___ 1. I frequently have to check things over and over again.
___ 2. I have difficulty finishing things because I repeat actions.
___ 3. I often repeat actions in order to prevent something bad from happening.
___ 4. I worry excessively about making mistakes.
___ 5. I worry excessively that someone will get harmed because of me.
___ 6. Certain thoughts that come into my mind make me do things over and over again.

Ordering Rituals
___ 1. I must have certain things around me set in a specific order.
___ 2. I spend much time making sure that things are in the right place.
___ 3. I notice immediately when my things are out of place.
___ 4. It is important that my bed is straightened out impeccably.
___ 5. I need to arrange certain things in special patterns.
___ 6. When my things are rearranged by other people, I get extremely upset.

Thinking Rituals
___ 1. Repeating certain words or numbers in my head makes me feel good.
___ 2. I often have to say certain things to myself again and again in order to feel safe.
___ 3. I find myself spending a lot of time praying for non-religious purposes.
___ 4. “Bad” thoughts force me to think about “good” thoughts.
___ 5. I try to remember events in detail or make mental lists to prevent unpleasant consequences.
___ 6. The only way I can stay calm at times is by thinking the “right” things.

Worries and Obsessions
___ 1. I often get upset by unpleasant thoughts that come into my mind against my will.
___ 2. I usually have doubts about the simple everyday things I do.
___ 3. I have no control over my thoughts.
___ 4. Frequently the things that pop into my mind are shameful, frightening, violent, or bizarre.
___ 5. I’m afraid that my bad thoughts will come true.
___ 6. When I start to worry, I cannot easily stop.
___ 7. Little, insignificant events make me worry excessively.

Time Spent on OCD Symptoms

The amount of time you spend on your symptoms is another indication of how much it intrudes in your life. In the past month, how much time have you spent, on an average day, engaged in these symptoms.

Hours/Minutes
________ Washing and Cleaning
________ Checking and Repeating
________ Ordering
________ Thinking Rituals
________ Worrying or Obsessing
________ Total Hours (on an average day)

When to Get Help for OCD

If you find that some symptoms bother you a lot or you are spending more than one hour per day on your symptoms, then you might have a clinical level of OCD. You should see a mental health therapist for an evaluation and possible treatment. The earlier you get help, the better as repeating rituals frequently increases anxiety and OCD.

Where to Get Help for OCD

The Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley specializes in obsessive compulsive disorders in adults, children and teenagers. With our convenient location just a 1/2 mile from highways 85 and the Saratoga Avenue exit, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Cupertino and Campbell, CA. Contact us at (408) 384-8404 for more information on how we can help you overcome your OCD symptoms.

Source: This OCD Quiz was modified from the questionnaire appearing on anxieties.com.