Y-BOCS OCD Test Online - Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale
The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is one of the most widely used tools for assessing the severity of obsessive and compulsive symptoms associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
This 10-question Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale test can help you 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 Y-BOCS online test is not a medical diagnosis and cannot replace an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional.
Symptoms Checklist
Before you answer the scale, it can help to quickly review the kinds of obsessions and compulsions people commonly experience with OCD. Look at the checklist below and mark any items that feel relevant to you. This list is only for reflection and does not affect your score.
Common Obsessions and Compulsions
Obsessions
Aggressive Obsessions
Contamination Obsessions
Sexual Obsessions
Hoarding or Saving Obsessions
Distinguish from hobbies and from normal concern with objects of monetary or sentimental value.
Religious Obsessions (Scrupulosity)
Somatic Obsessions
Miscellaneous Obsessions
Obsessions with Need for Symmetry or Exactness
Compulsions
Cleaning or Washing Compulsions
Checking Compulsions
Repeating Rituals
Counting Compulsions
Ordering or Arranging Compulsions
Hoarding or Collecting Compulsions
Distinguish from hobbies and from normal concern with objects of monetary or sentimental value.
Miscellaneous Compulsions
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?
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?
3. How much distress do your obsessive thoughts cause you?
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?
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?
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?
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?
9. How much of an effort do you make to resist the compulsions?
10. How strong is the drive to perform the compulsive behavior? How much control do you have over the compulsions?
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.
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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.