Overview

There’s no test for OCD. A healthcare provider makes the diagnosis after asking you about your symptoms and medical and mental health history. Providers use criteria explained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V) to diagnose OCD.

The criteria include:

  • Having obsessions, compulsions or both.
  • The obsessions or compulsions take up a lot of time (more than an hour per day).
  • The obsessions or compulsions cause distress or affect your participation in social activities, work responsibilities or other life events.
  • The symptoms aren’t caused by substances, alcohol, medications or another medical condition.
  • The symptoms aren’t explained by a different mental health condition, such as generalized anxiety disorder, eating disorder or body image disorder.
Request an appointment

Advertisement