Obsessive Thoughts & Habits Test | Free OCD Symptom Quiz

A self-reflection tool for understanding obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Many people experience unwanted thoughts or urges from time to time, but for some, these patterns become persistent and distressing. The Obsessive Thoughts & Habits Test is designed to help you reflect on how often certain mental loops or repetitive behaviors show up in your life.

This assessment draws inspiration from well-established clinical research while using everyday language to make the experience approachable and non-intimidating. Rather than offering a diagnosis, it highlights tendencies related to intrusive thinking, checking, ordering, and mental rigidity that may be worth paying attention to.

If you’re interested in how anxiety intensifies bodily sensations, you may also want to explore our Anxiety Sensitivity Test. For those who find themselves replaying mistakes or thoughts, the Mistake Rumination Scale offers another useful lens.

Take The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory

For each statement, indicate how much you agree. For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I hesitate to throw things away out of fear they might be useful later.

2. I repeatedly confirm that appliances or switches are turned off.

3. I need objects to be placed in a specific arrangement to feel at ease.

4. Some numbers feel safer or better than others.

5. I wash my hands longer or more frequently than feels necessary.

6. Unwanted thoughts often return no matter how hard I try to dismiss them.

7. I hold onto many items even when they interfere with my living space.

8. I feel the urge to double-check things even when I know they’re fine.

9. I become distressed when things are not arranged the way I prefer.

10. I find myself counting actions or steps without intending to.

11. Touching objects handled by unfamiliar people makes me uncomfortable.

12. I struggle to stop thoughts once they start looping in my mind.

13. I keep objects that I don’t realistically need.

14. I go back to re-check doors, windows, or drawers more than once.

15. I feel unsettled when someone changes my personal organization system.

16. Certain numbers feel important or necessary to repeat.

17. I sometimes clean myself because I feel unclean rather than visibly dirty.

18. Disturbing thoughts enter my mind even when I don’t want them to.

19. I feel compelled to mentally repeat words, phrases, or prayers to reduce anxiety.

Now, enter your demographics to see how you stack up against others.

First Name

Age

Gender

Region

References

Inspired by work by Foa, E. B., Huppert, J. D., Leiberg, S., Langner, R., Kichic, R., Hajcak, G., & Salkovskis, P. M. (2002). The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory: Development and validation of a short version. Psychological Assessment, 14(4), 485–496.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this scale take?
It takes a few minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?
Yes, all responses are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?
Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Obsessive Thoughts & Habits Test | Free OCD Symptom Quiz

Take The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory

Now, enter your demographics to see how you stack up against others.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

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