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The diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is based upon the patient's signs and symptoms (e.g., obsessions and/or compulsions). The diagnosis can be bolstered by a positive family history of OCD as well as by various screening questionnaires that have been developed to help health care professionals to better identify people with OCD. A commonly used screening questionnaire for OCD is the Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale.

To qualify for a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the following criteria must be met:

• The obsessions/compulsions must not simply be excessive worries about a specific problem or issue that is currently bothering the patient.

• The obsessions/compulsions must be present for a significant amount of time over a period of at least 2 weeks.

• The obsessions/compulsions must be self-generated and not forced upon the patient by someone else.

• The patient recognizes that the obsessions/compulsions are irrational and don't make any sense.

• The patient cannot neutralize or control their obsessions/compulsions despite efforts to counteract their intrusive thoughts or repetitive behavioral rituals

• The patient does not derive any intrinsic pleasure from engaging in the obsessions/compulsions.

• The obsessions/compulsions evoke considerable anxiety and distress, are time-consuming, and interfere with the patient's lifestyle (e.g., school; work; home; social life).