Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Test
Also known as OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. Though you might hear the condition talked about in movies and on television, the symptoms that you have can differ from those you see on the screen. Roughly 1% of Americans have OCD, which equates to 2.2 million people. Most people exhibit their first symptoms during childhood or their teenage years, with one-quarter of patients showing symptoms by the time they turn 14. Our Obsessive Compulsive Disorder test is a simple assessment that you can do in the comfort of your home before talking to a psychiatrist. You can take the test for a loved one too.
Does Everyone with OCD Have the Same Symptoms?
Patients with OCD do not exhibit the same symptoms because there are five categories of OCD:
- Hoarders
- Doubters/sinners
- Counters/arrangers
- Checkers
- Washers
A hoarder is someone who is not capable of making decisions regarding what to throw away and keep. They often suffer from another type of anxiety disorder in addition to OCD. Checkers feel the need to constantly or frequently check things such as the stove or lock because they think something bad will happen if they forget. Doubters and sinners are similar because they believe that bad things will happen to them if they do not do things perfectly. Counters and arrangers either need to have things perfect or will count things multiple times. There are also OCD washers who are obsessed with hygiene and cleanliness.
Do I Have OCD and What Caused It?
Though it’s difficult for someone to reach a later stage of life without having OCD diagnosed, it can happen. You may suffer from several symptoms that you don’t discuss with your doctor until they interfere with your life. The common causes of OCD include genetics and biology where the condition passes through your family. Some also suffer from learned OCD, which is where they learn obsessive and compulsive behaviors by watching others. If you grew up with a parent who had OCD, you might pick up their behaviors because you think they are normal. Some of the risk factors that increase your chances of suffering from OCD include stress and other mental disorders such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety.
Psychiatrists can help you choose the right type of treatment for your OCD such as transcranial magnetic stimulation. Taking an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder test at home is a good way to figure out if you should speak to one. The consultation allows you to discuss the OCD symptoms that you exhibit and get to the cause of the disorder. Doctors will often perform a physical exam to find out if you have other conditions that can run along with the disorder or cause it. Once you finish our simple assessment, you can determine when to take the next step.
Compulsions vs. Obsessions
Before seeking treatment, look at the differences between compulsions and obsessions. A compulsion is a type of behavior that reduces your anxiety and takes your mind off an obsession. This can include counting the tiles in the ceiling multiple times before going to sleep or organizing your kitchen cabinets several times before cooking. An obsession is something that you cannot get off your mind such as an image or thought. It may take the form of an impulse too. The obsession stays in your mind and compels you to do something to get rid of it.
OCD Treatments
The treatments for OCD include transcranial magnetic stimulation. Also known as TMS, this type of treatment uses a magnet to target specific areas of the brain. It is best for those who tried medications and found no relief. TMS can change the way that you think about obsessions and compulsions to change the way that you respond to them. Family therapy can help those who have OCD that affects their family. Your psychiatrist might recommend that you try cognitive behavioral therapy and talk therapy too. Many patients use multiple treatments at the same time. TMS can help with other conditions too, including postpartum depression and high functioning depression.
We designed this simple assessment to help you identify the OCD symptoms that you have and help you decide when to talk to a doctor. Respond to each statement with either true or false.
DISCLAIMER: This test is not intended as a diagnostic tool, but rather an indication that you may need help. If the following quiz prompts any vulnerabilities or concerns, please contact a trained professional.
If you answered YES to more or more of these statements about a loved one or yourself, it’s time to talk to a doctor about OCD. Having OCD does not mean that it’s the end of the world, but it does mean that you need to make some changes and get help. Contact Pulse TMS to see your OCD options after taking our Obsessive Compulsive Disorder test.