Do I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Do you experience persistent thoughts, strong desires, or images that are undesirable or intrusive, and that typically make you feel anxious or distressed?

Do you try to ignore or suppress such thoughts, strong desires, or images, or to neutralize them by thinking about something else or by doing something else (i.e., by performing a compulsion)?

Do you feel driven to perform repetitive behaviors (e.g., ordering, hand washing) or mental acts (e.g., counting, praying)?

With these behaviors, do you try to prevent or reduce distress, or prevent some terrifying event (and are these behaviors clearly excessive or not realistically connected with what they are supposed to neutralize or prevent)?

Do the obsessions or compulsions take up much time out of your day (e.g., more than 1 hour) or cause significant impairment in social, work, or other relevant settings?

Are you sure your symptoms are not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., a drug or medication) or a medical condition?

Are you sure that your obsessive-compulsive symptoms are not better explained by the existence of another disorder? (e.g., excessive worries, as in generalized anxiety disorder; preoccupation with appearance, as in body dysmorphic disorder; repetitive patterns of behavior, as in autism spectrum disorder)?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you will be diagnosed with OCD. If you are in doubt or your symptoms make you unable to function normally, it is suggested you schedule a visit to your doctor.

Based on your answers, you are showing a number of symptoms associated with OCD. Schedule an appointment with your doctor for further diagnosis and in order to discuss treatment options, which may include specific therapy like exposure and response prevention or cognitive therapy. Exercising, getting enough sleep, and avoiding toxic substances like alcohol and nicotine may help with your symptoms as well.