OCD Test – Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y‑BOCS)

March 14, 2026

Abstract painting with dynamic shapes and vivid colors conveying a sense
of movement and inner
tension. — Abstract composition by Wassily Kandinsky, ‘Composition VII’ (1913), symbolizing complex inner mental processes and the dynamics of thought. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open Access.

The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is a standardized psychological questionnaire used worldwide to assess the severity of obsessive and compulsive symptoms associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

This online version of the Y-BOCS consists of 10 questions and is designed for self-assessment purposes only. It helps you better understand how much obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may be affecting your daily life.

Time to complete

3–5 minutes

Result

Total score with severity level

Important

This test is not a medical diagnosis and cannot replace an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional.

How the Y-BOCS Test Works

The questionnaire is divided into two sections:

Questions 1 – 5: Obsessions (unwanted thoughts, images, or urges)
Questions 6 – 10: Compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts)

Each question is rated on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (extreme symptoms) based on your experience during the past week.

Please answer honestly and choose the option that best reflects your situation.

1. How much of your time is occupied by obsessive thoughts?

None 0Less than 1 hr/day or occasional occurrence +11 to 3 hrs/day or frequent +2Greater than 3 and up to 8 hrs/day or very frequent occurrence +3Greater than 8 hrs/day or nearly constant occurrence +4

2. How much do your obsessive thoughts interfere with your work, school, social, or other important role functioning? Is there anything that you don’t do because of them?

None 0Slight interference with social or other activities, but overall performance not impaired +1Definite interference with social or occupational performance, but still manageable +2Causes substantial impairment in social or occupational performance +3Incapacitating +4

3. How much distress do your obsessive thoughts cause you?

None 0Not too disturbing +1Disturbing, but still manageable +2Very disturbing +3Near constant and disabling distress +4

4. How much of an effort do you make to resist the obsessive thoughts? How often do you try to disregard or turn your attention away from these thoughts as they enter your mind?

Try to resist all the time 0Try to resist most of the time +1Make some effort to resist +2Yield to all obsessions without attempting to control them, but with some reluctance +3Completely and willingly yield to all obsessions +4

5. How much control do you have over your obsessive thoughts? How successful are you in stopping or diverting your obsessive thinking? Can you dismiss them?

Complete control 0Usually able to stop or divert obsessions with some effort and concentration +1Sometimes able to stop or divert obsessions +2Rarely successful in stopping or dismissing obsessions, can only divert attention with difficulty +3Obsessions are completely involuntary, rarely able to even momentarily alter obsessive thinking +4

6. How much time do you spend performing compulsive behaviors? How much longer than most people does it take to complete routine activities because of your rituals? How frequently do you do rituals?

None 0Less than 1 hr/day or occasional performance of compulsive behaviors +1From 1 to 3 hrs/day, or frequent performance of compulsive behaviors +2More than 3 and up to 8 hrs/day, or very frequent performance of compulsive behaviors +3More than 8 hrs/day, or near constant performance of compulsive behaviors (too numerous to count) +4

7. How much do your compulsive behaviors interfere with your work, school, social, or other important role functioning? Is there anything that you don’t do because of the compulsions?

8. How would you feel if prevented from performing your compulsion(s)? How anxious would you become?

None 0Only slightly anxious if compulsions prevented +1Anxiety would mount but remain manageable if compulsions prevented +2Prominent and very disturbing increase in anxiety if compulsions interrupted +3Incapacitating anxiety from any intervention aimed at modifying activity +4

9. How much of an effort do you make to resist the compulsions?

Always try to resist 0Try to resist most of the time +1Make some effort to resist +2Yield to almost all compulsions without attempting to control them, but with some reluctance +3Completely and willingly yield to all compulsions +4

10. How strong is the drive to perform the compulsive behavior? How much control do you have over the compulsions?

Complete control 0Pressure to perform the behavior but usually able to exercise voluntary control over it +1Strong pressure to perform behavior, can control it only with difficulty +2Very strong drive to perform behavior, must be carried to completion, can only delay with difficulty +3Drive to perform behavior experienced as completely involuntary and over-powering, rarely able to even momentarily delay activity. +4

References

The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale was originally developed by Wayne K. Goodman et al. and is widely recognized as a gold-standard measure for OCD symptom severity.

This page is intended for informational and educational purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Y-BOCS used for?

The Y-BOCS is used to measure the severity of OCD symptoms, not to diagnose OCD itself. It is commonly used in clinical practice and research to track symptom changes over time.

Is this online Y-BOCS test accurate?

This test uses the standard Y-BOCS structure, but online self-assessments cannot fully replace a clinician-administered evaluation. Results should be interpreted with caution.

How long does the Y-BOCS test take?

Most people complete the test in 3–5 minutes.

Can I take the Y-BOCS test more than once?

Yes. The test can be repeated periodically (for example, every few weeks) to monitor changes in symptom severity.

What should I do if my score is high?

If your score indicates moderate, severe, or extreme symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional mental health support. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.