Symptom Tests

[Self-Test] Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Adults: OCD Symptoms Test

A person suffering with OCD may obsess about germs or safety, and find relief from the associated anxiety only when performing rituals such as repetitive hand washing or ritualistic locking and unlocking of doors. If you suspect you might have obsessive-compulsive disorder, take this screener test to determine whether your symptoms warrant a visit to a trained health-care professional.

By ADDitude Editors Verified Medically reviewed by Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. Updated on January 21, 2023
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OCD Symptoms Test for Adults

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions (recurring, unwanted thoughts) that lead to compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels compelled to perform to “resolve” the obsession) and anxiety. Studies suggest that up to one-third of patients diagnosed with OCD also have attention deficit hyperactivity hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); both OCD and ADHD typically persist into adulthood. Stereotypes about OCD abound, but the reality is complex and nuanced. Since obsessions and compulsions can take on any form — and OCD varies widely in severity — diagnosis can be difficult, and usually requires a therapist specially trained in the condition.

If left untreated, symptoms of OCD can grow in severity until they seem to take over a patient’s life. The good news is that, following an accurate diagnosis, most patients who pursue treatment see an improvement in their OCD symptoms over time.

If you think your unwanted obsessions, rituals, or daily anxiety might be due to Obsessive compulsive disorder, take this simple screener OCD test and take the results to a mental health professional for evaluation.

Adapted from the Do I Have OCD? screener from OCD Action, developed by Professor Wayne Goodman of the University of Florida. This is not a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about possible OCD see a mental health professional. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation.

Do you avoid certain colors or numbers because you view them as “unlucky” or “evil?”

Do you have personally unacceptable thoughts (often of a religious, violent, or sexual nature) that feel intrusive and out of your control?

Do you unnecessarily re-read letters, emails, or text messages before or after you’ve sent them?

Do you get caught up making sure things are in their proper order? (Cataloging books, rearranging drawers, lining up silverware, etc.)

Do you examine your body for signs of illness?

Do you worry about harm coming to someone you love because you weren’t careful enough?

Do you excessively worry about things like fires, car accidents, or your house getting flooded?

Do you repeat routine actions like opening a door, putting on a shoe, or getting into bed over and over until it “feels right?”

Are you concerned about being “contaminated” by germs, chemicals, or diseases?

Do you experience upsetting mental images of death, destruction, or other unpleasant events?

Do you worry about acting on a senseless urge, like pushing a stranger in front of a bus or stabbing a loved one with a knife?

Do you collect “useless” objects, or inspect the trash before it gets thrown out to see if you missed something?

Do you feel a need to “confess” or seek reassurance on something you said or did?

Do you check things like oven knobs, door locks, and car brakes over and over again within a short period of time?

Do you perform ritualized washing, cleaning, or grooming habits (washing your hands five times in a row, for example)?

Do you worry about spreading an illness (even if you have never been diagnosed with the illness)?


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OCD In Adults: Next Steps

1. Take This Test: Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Adults
2. Learn: What Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Looks Like in Adults
3. Download: How Are Symptoms of OCD Different from ADHD?
4. Read OCD and ADHD in Contrast
5. Find: Specialists or Clinics Near You