What is the Y-BOCS?
The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was developed by Wayne Goodman and colleagues at Yale and Brown universities in 1989. It is the most widely used measure of how severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms are, and is often called the “gold standard” for tracking OCD in treatment. The original is a clinician-led interview; this version is worded so you can complete it yourself.
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive actions or mental rituals done to reduce that anxiety. The first five questions rate obsessions and the last five rate compulsions — looking at time taken, interference, distress, resistance and control. Each question scores 0 to 4, giving a total from 0 to 40.
Who should take it?
This form is for adults who experience repeated unwanted thoughts or feel driven to check, clean, count, arrange or repeat things, and want to understand how much it affects them. It is also useful for following progress during therapy.
How to take it
Think about the past seven days, including today. For each question, choose the statement that best matches your experience. It helps to have your main obsessions and compulsions in mind as you answer. It takes about five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose OCD?
No. The Y-BOCS measures how severe symptoms are. A diagnosis needs a full assessment by a qualified professional.
My score is low because I avoid situations that trigger me. Does that count?
Avoidance can keep scores low while still limiting your life. If you avoid a lot because of obsessions, it is worth discussing with a therapist.
Can OCD be treated?
Yes. Cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is highly effective, sometimes alongside medication prescribed by a doctor.
What does your result mean?
- 0 – 7SubclinicalVery mild symptoms
- 8 – 15MildNoticeable but mild
- 16 – 23ModerateWorth talking to a therapist
- 24 – 31Moderate to severeReach out to a specialist
- 32 – 40SevereSpecialist OCD treatment advised
Your result is not a diagnosis, it is an indicator. A therapist reads it together with your whole story.
Medical review and sources
Rights: Y-BOCS © Wayne K. Goodman, Steven A. Rasmussen, Lawrence H. Price et al. (1989). Arabic self-report form (Arab Therapy / CBTarabia) used with permission.