OCD Test : What Causes OCD | Types And Signs of OCD

The full form of OCD is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD is a disorder in which people have recurrent, unwanted thoughts or sensations. A person with OCD is characterized by repetitive behaviors such as hand washing/cleaning, checking things, and repeatedly performing mental tasks (counting) or other activities. They feel driven or compelled to do something repeatedly to get rid of such thoughts. If symptoms of OCD are seen, it is advisable to undergo an OCD test.

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A diagnosis of OCD becomes necessary when obsessive thoughts and compulsions occur that persist for a significant period, cause significant distress, and impair work or social functioning. 2-3% of people in the United States are affected by OCD. It has been observed that among adults, women are more affected than men. Symptoms of OCD often begin to appear in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.

OCD Test

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is not well understood by many people. Generally, a person who is overly organized washes his hands frequently or performs a puja multiple times a day is considered to suffer from OCD. However, although this is partially accurate, it does not give a clear and complete picture.

OCD has two main components:

Obsessions: Repeating actions, unwanted thoughts, or doing things over and over again

Compulsions: Repeating an action over and over again, performing ritualistic behavior.

However, many people experience Obsessions and Compulsions at some point. But, if you genuinely have OCD, these thoughts and behaviors often impact daily life. You can use our short screening test to find out if you have OCD. This OCD Test is for people who think they may have OCD.

The statements in the quiz below can help you find out if the symptoms you are experiencing are OCD.

1. Do you frequently have unwanted thoughts that cause you anxiety?
2. Are you always afraid of contamination (i.e., germs) from people or the environment, and are you highly concerned about cleanliness? If yes, how many times?
3. Do you check things again and again? Such as whether doors are closed, light switches and appliances are turned off)
4. Do you have aggressive thoughts like harming yourself or others?
5. Do you do anything that temporarily relieves your anxiety, such as counting, checking, or cleaning?
6. Is your obsessive thinking or ritualistic behavior more affected by your job performance, home life, or social relationships?

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What Causes OCD : OCD Test

Although the exact cause of OCD is not yet known, research suggests that OCD involves problems with communication between the frontal lobes and brain structures. These brain structures use a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Research shows that OCD tends to run in families, and genes likely play a role in the development of the disorder. However, genes are only partially responsible for such disorders. No one knows what other factors contribute to OCD.

Some experts believe that childhood-onset OCD may be different from adult-onset OCD. For example, recent studies have shown that genes play a more significant role when OCD begins in childhood (45–65%) than when it starts in adulthood (27–47%).

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Signs of OCD

The main symptoms of OCD Test are Obsessions and Compulsions that interfere with everyday activities. For example, you may often not be able to get to work on time when you have symptoms. Or you may have trouble sleeping at the right time.

Obsessions in OCD

In OCD, obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts or mental images that cause increased anxiety. People suffering from OCD are unable to control these thoughts. Most people with OCD realize that these thoughts are illogical.

Common examples of obsessions include:

• Excessive fear of perceived contaminants such as germs or dirt.
• Fear of harming yourself or someone else.
• Unwanted thoughts or mental images related to sex.
• Fear of making a mistake.
• Excessive concern about right or wrong.
• Feelings of suspicion or hatred.
• Excessive concern about your sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Paying too much attention to keeping things in their proper places and cleanliness.

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Compulsions in OCD : OCD Test

In OCD, compulsions are repetitive actions that you feel you have to do to reduce or get rid of the obsession. People with OCD do not want to perform these compulsive behaviors. However, they think that they have to do this; otherwise, their anxiety will increase. However, compulsions only help temporarily.

Common examples of compulsions include:

• Arranging things in a particular way.
• Bathing, cleaning, or washing hands frequently.
• Collecting items that have no personal or financial value.
• Checking things like locks, switches, and doors frequently.
• Constantly check that no one has been harmed because of you.
• Counting repeatedly, doing a task several times, or strongly liking or avoiding specific numbers.
• Saying a few words or praying while doing some unrelated task.
• Examples of compulsions include avoiding shaking hands or touching objects other people touch frequently, such as door handles.

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Medication for OCD : OCD Test

Research has shown that serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are an effective treatment for OCD. These drugs increase and regulate serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. There are currently seven SRIs available by prescription in the United States:

• Clomipramine (Anafranil)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)

If you or a loved one has OCD or has symptoms of OCD, you should see a mental health care provider. Mental health care providers can diagnose OCD. Often, the mental health care provider will ask you what types of symptoms you experience, whether such symptoms cause distress, and how long they last each day.

Your mental health care provider will probably write down the symptoms you are experiencing. The mental health care provider may also ask how long you have had your symptoms. The results of a 2009 study showed that OCD symptoms that begin in childhood are often more severe.