Do I Have OCD?
Many people wonder whether what they experience is OCD — and it can be genuinely hard to tell. OCD is widely misunderstood, and it doesn't always look the way people expect. This quiz is designed to help you reflect on your experiences, not to give you a diagnosis. Take a few minutes to answer honestly, and read our guide below to help make sense of what you find.
Why This Question Is Hard to Answer
OCD is one of the most misrepresented mental health conditions. Most people's understanding of it comes from TV and film rather than lived experience, which means people with OCD often don't recognise it in themselves — and people without it sometimes think they have it based on surface-level similarities. The reality is more nuanced, and understanding what OCD actually involves can make a real difference in knowing whether to seek support.
Common Signs of OCD
Intrusive thoughts that feel distressing or out of character
Most people have unwanted thoughts occasionally. With OCD, these thoughts are persistent, unwanted, and cause significant distress — often because they feel completely at odds with who the person is.
Feeling compelled to perform rituals or actions to reduce anxiety
These compulsions might be physical — checking, cleaning, or arranging — or mental, like repeating phrases internally or seeking reassurance. The compulsion brings temporary relief, but the anxiety returns.
Thoughts or rituals that take up significant time each day
If intrusive thoughts or related behaviours are consuming more than an hour a day, that's worth paying attention to.
Avoiding situations or places that trigger the thoughts
Avoidance can gradually shrink a person's world — stopping them from doing things they used to do in order to manage their anxiety.
Seeking reassurance without it providing lasting relief
Reassurance helps momentarily, but the doubt returns — sometimes stronger than before.
Knowing the fears are unlikely but being unable to dismiss them
Many people with OCD recognise that their fears are irrational. But that awareness doesn't make the anxiety any easier to manage alone.
Do I Have OCD? Our Quiz
Trudy Jacobsen
Trudy Jacobsen is a highly experienced counsellor with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and couples with her warm, grounded and outcome-driven approach. She is available for new clients for in-person appointments in Booval, Brisbane as well as online video appointments.
https://lifesupportscounselling.com.au/counsellors/trudy-jacobsen/
- Master of Social Work
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
- Member of the AASW
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Appointments currently available
Open 8am to 8pm weekdays and 9am to 5:30pm weekends
How Counselling Can Help with OCD
OCD is highly treatable, and most people see meaningful improvement with the right support. It may be worth speaking to a counsellor if:
- Your thoughts or rituals are taking up more than an hour a day
- They're causing significant distress or affecting your quality of life
- You've tried to stop or reduce them on your own and can't
- They're affecting your relationships, work, or ability to get through the day
- You've been avoiding things you used to do because of your fears
If you’re interested in learning more about counselling for OCD or would like to organise a session, call 1300 735 030 or leave us an email via our contact page.
FAQs
OCD is not a personality trait or a preference for order. It involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause significant distress, and compulsive behaviours performed to relieve that distress, even temporarily. The distress and the time it takes up are what distinguish OCD from ordinary habits or preferences.
Yes. Some people with OCD experience predominantly intrusive thoughts without visible rituals. The compulsions may be mental rather than behavioural — like repeating phrases internally, reviewing memories, or seeking reassurance in their head. It can be harder to identify but is just as real.
Yes. OCD has a strong evidence base for treatment, and most people see meaningful improvement with the right support. A counsellor can help you understand what's driving the patterns and find an approach that works for you.
No referral is needed. You can book an appointment directly by calling 1300 735 030 or via our contact page.