OCD Assessment and Self–Test

Early detection of OCD is key in minimizing symptoms. Read on for an OCD assessment to determine if you need help.

Author: J. Flowers Health Staff

What is OCD?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterized by obsessive and compulsive behavior. Individuals affected may be obsessed with a particular thought, such as death, and they may feel that their compulsive behavior – such as avoiding stepping on cracks on the sidewalk or knocking on doors three times before entering a room – will prevent bad things from occurring.¹ An OCD assessment test is beneficial in determining whether you or someone you know is suffering from OCD symptoms.

There are many symptoms associated with OCD, some of which commonly occur in other mental disorders. To perform an OCD self-assessment, it is vital to have a good understanding of the condition’s characteristics. Here are the common types of obsessions vs. compulsions that may occur.

Obsession

People with OCD may be obsessed with thoughts of:

Contamination
Harm to themselves or others
Unwanted sexual thoughts
Religion and punishment
Loss of control
Perfectionism
Illness

Compulsion

Individuals with OCD may attempt to control their obsessions by engaging in the following compulsive behavior.

Checking
Cleaning and washing
Repeating acts
Mental compulsions such as repeating words in a specific manner
Symmetry and ordering
Hoarding
Counting

Do I Have GAD or OCD?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and OCD have many similar symptoms. So how do you know which one you have?

The biggest difference between GAD and OCD is that, with GAD, there are no rituals. People with OCD will engage in almost ritualistic behaviors to keep their obsessions under control, which is not the case with GAD. Although both OCD and GAD involve symptoms of anxiety, there are no obsessions and compulsions with GAD.²

Addiction vs. Compulsion and Addiction vs. Obsession

Addiction can easily be confused with compulsive and obsessive behavior. However, with addiction, a person is addicted to a substance. This behavior varies from compulsion where a person engages in a specific behavior which could be using drugs or anything else.

Obsession involves being obsessed with certain thoughts. Addiction to a substance rarely comes into play.

How Taking an OCD Test Could Benefit You

Taking an OCD test is beneficial because it will let you know if you need help sooner rather than later.

If you take an OCD self-assessment and think you have the relevant symptoms, do not hesitate to contact a mental health professional. They will be able to do their own OCD assessment to confirm whether you have OCD. They will provide you with treatment options so you can begin managing symptoms before they get out of control.

OCD Assessment Quiz

Here are some OCD test questions you can ask yourself when you do an OCD assessment.

Do you clean excessively? Cleaning excessively is a common OCD compulsive behavior.
Do you want everything organized? It is good to be organized, but if you find yourself obsessed with keeping everything in order, you may have OCD.
Do you constantly check on things? This compulsive behavior may include constantly checking your pockets to make sure you have everything with you or always going to the kitchen to make sure the stove hasn’t been left on.
Do your intrusive thoughts disturb you? Everyone has unpleasant thoughts every so often, but if they are getting in the way of your ability to function, you may have OCD.
Do you have repeated ritual behaviors? Repeated ritual behaviors are a common sign of OCD.
Do you have obsessive thoughts? If you find yourself obsessed with specific thoughts, you may want to speak to a mental health professional.

Treatment for OCD

If you use an OCD assessment tool and find that you have many of the telltale symptoms, there are many treatment options available. These include the following:

Dual Diagnosis

It is not uncommon for people with OCD to have a co-occurring condition. For instance, they may also be dealing with GAD, or they may be using drugs to self-medicate resulting in a substance abuse disorder. Dual diagnosis is a type of therapy that simultaneously treats both disorders.

Medication

There are several types of medications that can be used to control the symptoms of OCD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are most used.³

Inpatient/Outpatient

Treatment for OCD can take place in inpatient and outpatient settings. If you choose an inpatient treatment, you will live in the treatment facility for a set period (usually one to three months) and receive around-the-clock care. If you choose outpatient, you will split your time between therapy and everyday life.

Relapse Prevention

Therapy for OCD is typically comprehensive and ongoing. So, after you complete primary care, you will move on to an aftercare program. The facility will continue to support you to make sure you do not go back to your old ways.

How J. Flowers Health Institute Can Help

If you are looking for OCD treatment, J. Flowers provides the assistance you need. Our brain mapping services take a unique approach when it comes to helping people overcome mental illness.

What is Brain Mapping?

Brain mapping is a type of imaging that monitors activity in the lobes of the brain. It is used to identify abnormal behavior that may be contributing to mental illness. Once the behavior is identified, specialists can make a more accurate diagnosis and figure out the best treatment methods. In some instances, brain mapping can also be used to train the brain so that it no longer causes harmful behavior.

J. Flowers offers superior brain mapping equipment that has been used by NASA and Olympians. It can be used to accurately diagnose and treat symptoms of OCD and other emotional disorders while measuring healing and growth. We have in-house equipment, so patients do not need to travel from clinic to clinic to get the help they need.

An OCD assessment will give you a good idea of whether you need to get professional help. There are several treatment methods available that will help you achieve a higher quality of life including J. Flowers Health Institute brain mapping therapy. Call us to find out how we can get you on a path to increased wellness.