Screening for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Screening for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

There are no screening tests or screening guidelines for obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are some research tools, though, that doctors use when studying OCD symptoms. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, for people aged 14 and older, is commonly used. There is also a version of this scale to be used with children.

References:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Anxiety Disorders Association of America website. Available at: http://www.adaa.org/ . Accessed September 8, 2008.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml . April 2008. Accessed September 8, 2008.

Table of all screening tools and rating scales: obsessive-compulsive disorder detail. Massachusetts General Hospital: School of Psychiatry Program website. Available at: http://www.massgeneral.org/schoolpsychiatry/screening_ocd.asp . Accessed September 8, 2008.

Last reviewed August 2008 by ]]>Theodor B. Rais, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.