OCD Screening Test
Take our free OCD screening test. This assessment evaluates obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and their impact on daily life.
Understanding OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by persistent, intrusive unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce the distress caused by obsessions. It affects around 2-3% of the population.
OCD is frequently misrepresented — it's not about being neat or liking things in order. OCD obsessions are often deeply distressing and ego-dystonic (the person recognises them as irrational but can't dismiss them). Common OCD themes include contamination, harm (fear of accidentally hurting someone), symmetry, and intrusive sexual or religious thoughts.
Compulsions temporarily reduce anxiety but maintain and strengthen OCD long-term. Effective treatment — primarily Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy — involves gradually facing fears without performing compulsions, breaking the cycle.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Score Range | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10 | Low Likelihood | Your responses suggest a low likelihood of OCD. Some occasional checking or organizing is perfectly normal. |
| 11–20 | Mild Indicators | Your responses show some patterns that may be consistent with mild OCD tendencies. These may not require treatment if they don't significantly impact your life. |
| 21–30 | Moderate Indicators | Your responses suggest moderate OCD symptoms. Consider speaking with a mental health professional, as effective treatments like CBT are available. |
| 31–40 | Strong Indicators | Your responses indicate significant OCD symptoms that may be impacting your quality of life. Professional evaluation and treatment can be very effective. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liking things neat or organised a sign of OCD?
Not on its own. OCD involves significant distress, time consumption (often more than an hour per day), and impairment. Preferring organisation without these features is a personality trait, not OCD.
What's the most effective treatment for OCD?
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is the gold-standard psychological treatment, with the strongest evidence base. SSRIs are effective for many people. A combination of both is often recommended for moderate-severe OCD.