Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive and excessive behaviors (compulsions) or both, often causing significant distress or interfering with daily life. Common obsessions include fear of contamination, obsession with symmetry, and fear of acting blasphemously, while compulsions may involve excessive hand washing, cleaning, counting, ordering, repeating, avoiding triggers, hoarding, neutralizing, seeking assurance, praying, and checking things. The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R) is a tool that helps screen for these symptoms.
People with OCD often recognize that their obsessions or compulsions are excessive and unreasonable, but they feel compelled to act on them due to the anxiety they cause. OCD can start at any age but usually begins between late childhood and young adulthood. It affects both men and women equally, and one-third of adults with OCD had their first symptoms in childhood.
For those struggling with OCD, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) offer evidence-based treatments. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms. If you suspect OCD, consider an evaluation through East Coast Telepsychiatry, where expert professionals provide psychiatric evaluations and virtual therapy tailored to your needs.
Common Types of OCD and Their Symptoms
1. Contamination OCD (Washing & Cleaning)
- Excessive handwashing or sanitizing
- Avoiding public places or objects due to fear of germs
- Cleaning routines that feel “mandatory” to prevent harm
2. Checking OCD
- Repeatedly checking doors, appliances, or emails
- Fear of making a mistake or causing harm
- Feeling unable to relax without checking things multiple times
3. Pure-O (Purely Obsessional OCD)
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts about harm, morality, or relationships
- Fear of acting on disturbing thoughts, even though you don’t want to
- Mental rituals such as counting, praying, or reviewing thoughts
4. Symmetry & Order OCD
- Need for items to be perfectly arranged
- Distress if objects aren’t “just right”
- Repetitive arranging, counting, or organizing
5. Hoarding OCD
- Difficulty discarding items, even if useless
- Fear that throwing something away will lead to regret
- Clutter that interferes with daily functioning
6. Relationship OCD (ROCD)
- Constant doubt about a romantic partner or relationship
- Seeking reassurance from others about feelings
- Fear of being in the “wrong” relationship
How OCD Is Treated: Effective Therapy and Medication
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals recognize and challenge irrational fears. A specialized form of CBT known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is considered the gold standard for OCD treatment. ERP works by exposing individuals to their fears while preventing compulsive behaviors.
2. Medication (SSRIs & Other Options)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluvoxamine (Luvox) are often prescribed for OCD. In some cases, additional medications may be used to enhance treatment effects.
3. Mindfulness & Self-Help Strategies
Practicing mindfulness and learning distress tolerance skills can also be beneficial in managing OCD symptoms. While self-help strategies are not a replacement for therapy, they can complement professional treatment.
The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) is a widely recognized OCD screening tool designed to assess OCD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Many individuals experience hidden OCD signs such as mental rituals or moral scrupulosity without realizing their condition. Subtypes like hoarding OCD, relationship OCD (ROCD), contamination OCD, checking OCD, and symmetry OCD can impact daily life in subtle yet distressing ways.
What Is the OCI-R?
The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) is a widely used self-assessment tool designed to screen for symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Unlike general anxiety tests, the OCI-R helps detect hidden OCD signs, including intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and obsessive fears, even in individuals who may not realize they have OCD.
This 18-question inventory assesses OCD symptoms across six categories:
Washing – Excessive handwashing or cleaning
Checking – Repeatedly verifying tasks (e.g., door locks, appliances)
Obsessing – Intrusive, distressing thoughts that won’t go away
Hoarding – Difficulty discarding items, even if unnecessary
Neutralizing – Mental rituals or repetitive behaviors to prevent harm
Ordering – A strong need for symmetry, arrangement, or exactness
Each item is rated on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely distressing), with higher scores indicating more severe OCD symptoms.
Why Take the OCI-R?
Many people with OCD don’t recognize their symptoms because OCD can manifest in subtle ways. Unlike the stereotypical image of excessive handwashing, hidden OCD signs can include:
- Mental compulsions – Repeating prayers, counting, or reviewing thoughts
- Avoidance behaviors – Steering clear of specific objects, numbers, or situations
- Moral scrupulosity – Obsessing over morality or “bad” thoughts
- Relationship OCD (ROCD) – Excessive doubt about romantic relationships
Taking the OCI-R test can be the first step toward identifying OCD symptoms and seeking proper treatment.
Interpreting Your OCI-R Score
A total score of 21 or higher suggests clinically significant OCD symptoms that may require further evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. However, even if your score is low, distressing OCD-like behaviors may still impact your quality of life.
What Should You Do If You Score High?
If your OCI-R score is elevated, consider:
- Speaking with a psychiatrist or therapist for a formal diagnosis
- Exploring evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) - Considering medication (SSRIs are commonly prescribed for OCD)
Professional OCD Treatment at East Coast Telepsychiatry
If you’re struggling with OCD symptoms, professional help is available. At East Coast Telepsychiatry, we offer:
- Comprehensive online psychiatric evaluations for OCD
- Personalized treatment plans, including therapy and medication
- Convenient virtual sessions with licensed professionals
Don’t let OCD control your life—schedule an online consultation today!