Condition OCD
OCD: more than being tidy
OCD is widely misunderstood as a love of neatness. In reality it is a distressing loop: intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that spike anxiety, and repetitive acts or mental rituals (compulsions) done to relieve it. The relief is brief, so the loop tightens.
The OCI-R OCD screening measures how much these experiences have distressed you over the past month. Eighteen items, scored privately here. A score at or above the cutoff suggests a fuller evaluation is worth pursuing — and OCD responds well to the right treatment.
Clinically validated
Start the test Take the ocd test
What ocd can look like
OCD takes many forms beyond the stereotype. Common patterns include:
- Intrusive thoughts that feel wrong and won’t leave
- Checking (locks, appliances) far more than necessary
- Contamination fears and washing or cleaning rituals
- Needing symmetry, order, or things "just right"
- Counting, repeating, or mental rituals
- Hoarding or difficulty discarding things
- Seeking reassurance over and over
Read the full guide to ocd symptoms →
When to seek help
- Obsessions or compulsions take up more than an hour a day, or cause real distress.
- They interfere with work, relationships, or daily routines.
- You are avoiding places or situations to prevent the thoughts.
Questions worth asking a clinician
- Do my symptoms and this screen point toward OCD?
- Can you refer me to someone who provides ERP (exposure and response prevention) therapy?
- How effective is treatment, and what does it involve?
- Are medications helpful for OCD, and would they suit me?
If you're in crisis right now
Call or text 988 - the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and open 24/7.
This page is educational and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A screening is
an aid to understanding - always discuss your health with a qualified clinician.