Specializing in the Treatment of OCD,
Pure Obsessional OCD (Pure O),
And Related Conditions

 

Pure Obsessional OCD (Pure O) Test

Pure Obsessional OCD (Pure O) is a term for a type of OCD in which an individual reports experiencing obsessions without observable compulsions. These obsessions often manifest as intrusive, unwanted, inappropriate thoughts, impulses or “mental images”. While it may seem that the individual has obsessions without compulsions, a review of his/her symptoms almost always reveals various compulsive behaviors, avoidant behaviors, reassurance-seeking behaviors, and “mental compulsions” which are not at first as easily observed as other, more obvious OCD compulsions.

The OCD Center of Los Angeles offers this free and confidential test to help you get a better idea of whether or not you are exhibiting signs of Pure Obsessional OCD. Simply check those items that apply to you, and email the test to us using the simple form below. While this Pure O test is not meant to replace a thorough evaluation, it may help in identifying traits of Pure Obsessional OCD.

1.  I often have repetitive, intrusive, unwanted thoughts that upset me or make me very anxious, and I can’t get them out of my mind no matter how much I try.

2.  I worry excessively about acting in a manner that is purposely harmful or violent (i.e. stabbing or shooting someone).

3.   I worry excessively about accidentally harming someone (i.e., running over a pedestrian or poisoning my children.

4.  I often worry that I will be indirectly responsible for something bad occurring (i.e., ‘If I don’t pick up this trash, someone may slip on it and break their neck and it will be my fault’).

5.  I worry excessively that, if I don’t perform certain superstitious behaviors, bad things will occur and it will be my fault (i.e. needing to count to certain number or cross my legs in order to prevent mom from dying.

6.  I avoid being around certain people or certain objects (i.e., knives, scissors, guns) in order to avoid having thoughts about causing harm.

7.  I avoid driving in order to avoid running someone over and/or to avoid having thoughts about running someone over.

8.  I often repeat routine, daily activities to ensure that I did not or will not harm someone (e.g., washing my hands, locking the door, putting away the silverware).

9.  I worry excessively about my sexual orientation, and am very upset by these thoughts.

10.  I prefer to avoid being around people of the same sex in order to avoid having thoughts about homosexuality.

11.  I worry excessively that I do not really love, or am not really attracted to my spouse or partner.

12.  I worry excessively about acting in a manner that is sexually inappropriate or illegal (i.e., being a pedophile, committing incest, or committing bestiality.

13.  I prefer to avoid being around children, family members, or animals in order to avoid having inappropriate sexual thoughts.

14.  I worry excessively about offending God, or acting in a manner that is counter to my religious beliefs, or is sacrilegious.

15.  I often avoid certain people, places, or situations in an effort to ensure that I will not have unwanted thoughts about things which I consider immoral, sacrilegious, or unethical.

16.  I often repeat certain behaviors, phrases, or prayers, to ensure that nothing bad happens, or to rid myself of unwanted thoughts that I have done (or will do) something bad, wrong, harmful, illegal, immoral, sacrilegious, sexually inappropriate, or sexually out of character.

17.  I repeatedly ask others for reassurance that I have not done (or will not do) something bad, wrong, harmful, illegal, immoral, sacrilegious, sexually inappropriate, or sexually out of character.

18.  I avoid certain movies, tv shows, books, magazines, performers, music, or websites in order to avoid having unwanted thoughts that I have done (or will do) something bad, wrong, harmful, illegal, immoral, sacrilegious, sexually inappropriate, or sexually out of character.

19.  I excessively think about normal bodily functions (i.e., blinking, swallowing, breathing, digesting, sleeping), and am upset that I cannot control these thoughts.

20.  I sometimes wash or shower in order to get rid of bad thoughts.

21.  I often repeat routine behaviors (e.g., locking doors, turning off light switches, turning off stove burners, etc.) because I feel I need to do them with a “good “ thought in my mind, not a “bad” thought.

22.  I am often worried that I will have uncomfortable thoughts forever and that they will ultimately ruin my life.

23.  I often feel that I absolutely must remember some minute, unimportant detail (i.e. the name of a song, a friend’s birthday) and I am unable to concentrate on anything else.

24.  My obsessional thoughts are interfering with my relationships and/or with my academic or professional functioning.

25. I spend  hours per day having obsessions.

26.  The primary focus of my unwanted obsessions is:

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Please note: By sending this email, you are agreeing to be contacted by the OCD Center of Los Angeles. We respect your privacy and confidentiality and we will never share, sell, rent, loan, or give away your name, email address, or any other personal information to anyone.

If you would like more information regarding Pure O, or would like to discuss individual therapy, group therapy, online therapy, or intensive treatment at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, you can call us at (310) 824-5200, or click here to email us.

This questionnaire was developed partly on the basis of clinical experience of staff therapists at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, and partly as an adaptation of various pre-existing psychometric measures, including the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). Please note that the above test is not meant to replace a complete and thorough evaluation by a licensed Cognitive-Behavioral therapist or other qualified mental health professional. Some individuals may benefit from medication, and may therefore benefit from a psychiatric evaluation. Likewise, a psychiatric assessment may be necessary to differentiate between OCD and other psychological conditions. If an evaluation is indicated, the OCD Center of Los Angeles can refer you to a qualified psychiatrist in our area. Furthermore, it is imperative to make the distinction between OCD and other medical conditions. For this reason, in some cases, a medical examination may be a necessary part of Pure O treatment.