OCD is quite a common mental health problem. Many people have obsessional tendencies so they check things more than others do or take a long time to make decisions that others find easy. But sometimes the obsessions and compulsions can become so strong that they dominate or affect a person's life.

The more of the questions below that you answer positively to, then the more likely it is that OCD is a problem for you. The main symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder are recurrent obsessional thoughts or compulsive acts. Commonly they occur together.

OBSESSIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Do you get awful thoughts repeatedly coming into your mind (they may be violent, obscene or simply senseless) even though you try to keep them out? You try not to think about them, but they won’t go away.

2. Do you keep thinking words, short phrases or rhymes that are unpleasant or shocking?

3. Do you spend a lot of time wondering whether you might have caused an accident or misfortune to someone? For example, you may worry that you have knocked someone over in your car.

4. Do you spend a lot of time worrying that your home is insecure? For example, because you have left doors on windows unlocked, or that you have left the cooker or the iron on.

5. Do you endlessly argue with yourself about whether to do one thing or another so you can't make the simplest decision?

COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS

6. Do you feel compelled to repeat the same action over and over again, even though you recognise that it is inappropriate or unnecessary?

7. Do you worry that you might become contaminated or infected, so that you repeatedly have to wash your hands or avoid situations or public places where you might come into contact with dirt?

8. Do you check things repeatedly. For example, checking that you have locked the front door several times before you go out, or switching a light on and off several times to check that it is off?

9. Are you are bothered, in a way that other people are not, if things are not in the exactly the right order, not balanced or not in the right place. For example, if books are not lined up precisely on a bookshelf.

10. Do you find it too difficult to resist thinking the obsessional thoughts or repeating the compulsive actions, because you become overwhelmed by worry or anxiety?

If you're worried you may be suffering from bipolar disorder, depression or mania visit your GP

For help, support or further information contact one of the following organisations:

For more information read the Royal College of Psychiatrists leaflet on OCD

OCD-UK is a leading national charity, working with and for people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. They provide support and information on treatment.

OCD Action is a charity offering support groups and information for people with OCD and associated disorders such as Body-Dysmorphic disorder or depression. also provides support for children with OCD.

Questionnaire compiled with the help of Dr Jim Bolton and Dr Martin Briscoe, consultant psychiatrists and members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Public Education Editorial Board

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