Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R)
An 18-question OCD self-test for obsessive-compulsive symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, checking, washing, ordering, counting, and saving behaviors.
Who Is This Test For?
The OCI-R is for people who want a compact OCD symptom screening tool focused on distress from obsessive-compulsive experiences during the past month.
- People bothered by intrusive thoughts, images, doubts, or mental rituals
- Those who repeatedly check locks, doors, appliances, messages, or safety details
- People distressed by contamination fears, washing, ordering, counting, or symmetry urges
- Anyone preparing to discuss possible OCD symptoms with a therapist, doctor, or mental health professional
Below is a list of experiences that many people have. Please rate how much each experience has distressed or bothered you during the past month.
I have saved up so many things that they get in the way.
I check things more often than necessary.
I get upset if objects are not arranged properly.
I feel compelled to count while I am doing things.
I find it difficult to touch an object when I know it has been touched by strangers or certain people.
I find it difficult to control my own thoughts.
I collect things I don't need.
I repeatedly check doors, windows, drawers, etc.
I get upset if others change the way I have arranged things.
I feel I have to repeat certain numbers.
I sometimes have to wash or clean myself simply because I feel contaminated.
I am upset by unpleasant thoughts that come into my mind against my will.
I avoid throwing things away because I am afraid I might need them later.
I repeatedly check gas and water taps and light switches after turning them off.
I need things to be arranged in a particular way.
I feel that there are good and bad numbers.
I wash my hands more often and longer than necessary.
I frequently get nasty thoughts and have difficulty in getting rid of them.
Turn self-test results into a clearer next step.
Save your results, watch changes over time, and find relevant tools when you need a next step.
- Save your history
- Track changes over time
- Find relevant tools
Retake tests over time to see what changes.
Good To Know
Label the OCD Cycle
When an intrusive thought or doubt appears, try naming the pattern: trigger, anxiety, urge, ritual, temporary relief. The goal is not to prove the thought wrong immediately, but to notice the loop so you have more choice in how you respond.
Delay, Then Decide
If an urge to check, wash, count, arrange, or seek reassurance feels strong, experiment with a brief delay before responding. Even a small pause can weaken the automatic link between anxiety and compulsion. Keep this gentle; severe symptoms are best handled with professional guidance.
Reduce Shame, Increase Support
OCD symptoms often feel embarrassing, especially intrusive thoughts. Shame can make people hide symptoms and lose support. If your results concern you, consider sharing the score and the specific symptom areas with a clinician or trusted support person.
Understanding the OCI-R
T he Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) is a short 18-item self-report measure developed from the original Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory. It asks how much common obsessive-compulsive experiences have distressed or bothered you during the past month.
The OCI-R covers several symptom areas often discussed in OCD screening: washing or contamination, checking, ordering, obsessing or intrusive thoughts, hoarding or saving, and neutralizing such as counting or number-related rituals.
Each item is scored from 0 to 4, giving a total score from 0 to 72. A score of 21 or higher is commonly used as a cutoff suggesting probable or clinically significant OCD symptom distress, but only a qualified clinician can diagnose OCD.
OCD is not just liking things clean or organized. It usually involves unwanted thoughts, images, doubts, or urges, followed by compulsions or avoidance that temporarily reduce anxiety but can keep the cycle going. Effective help is available, including therapies designed specifically for OCD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an OCD test?
This is an OCD self-test based on the OCI-R, a widely used screening measure for obsessive-compulsive symptoms. It can help you understand patterns such as intrusive thoughts, checking, washing, ordering, counting, or saving, but it cannot diagnose OCD. Diagnosis requires a clinical assessment.
What does a score of 21 or higher mean?
A total score of 21 or higher is commonly used as a cutoff for probable or clinically significant OCD symptom distress. It does not mean you definitely have OCD, but it is a good reason to consider speaking with a mental health professional, especially if symptoms take time, cause avoidance, or interfere with life.
Are intrusive thoughts dangerous?
Intrusive thoughts can be disturbing, unwanted, and shame-inducing, but having a thought is not the same as wanting it or acting on it. If thoughts include immediate risk, dangerous urges, or possible harm to yourself or someone else, seek urgent help through local emergency services or a crisis line.
What is the difference between OCD and being careful?
Being careful is usually flexible and proportional to the situation. OCD-like patterns tend to feel driven by anxiety, doubt, or a need for certainty, and they often lead to repeated checking, cleaning, arranging, reassurance seeking, avoidance, or mental rituals even when part of you knows it may be excessive.
Can OCD symptoms improve?
Yes. OCD symptoms can improve with evidence-based care. Many people benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention, medication, or a combination. If your score is moderate or severe, professional support can help you build a plan that is safer and more effective than fighting the cycle alone.
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Sources & References
- Foa EB, Huppert JD, Leiberg S, Hajcak G, Langner R, et al. The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory: development and validation of a short version. Psychol Assess. 2002;14(4):485-496.
- Huppert JD, Walther MR, Hajcak G, Yadin E, Foa EB, Simpson HB, Liebowitz MR. The OCI-R: validation of the subscales in a clinical sample. J Anxiety Disord. 2007;21(3):394-406.
- American Psychological Association record for the original OCI-R development and validation article.
This self-assessment is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It cannot confirm or rule out OCD or any other condition. If your results concern you, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms are affecting your safety, relationships, work, school, or daily life, consult a qualified healthcare or mental health professional. If you may harm yourself or someone else, seek urgent local crisis or emergency support now.