Criteria OCD, DSM-5

Specific Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Criteria

The physician or mental health professional will determine whether you meet the specific obsessive compulsive disorder criteria listed in the DSM-5, during the psychological evaluation portion of your visit. Your symptoms must meet both the general and specific characteristics of obsessive compulsive disorder.

To receive an OCD diagnosis, you must meet these general criteria:

• You must have obsessions and compulsions
• The obsessions and compulsions must significantly impact your daily life
• You may or may not realize that your obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable

Your obsessions must meet specific criteria:

• Intrusive, repetitive and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that cause distress
• The thoughts do not just excessively focus on real problems in your life
• You unsuccessfully try to suppress or ignore the disturbing thoughts, urges, or images
• You may or may not know that your mind simply generates these thoughts and that they do not pose a true threat

Your compulsions must meet specific criteria:

• Excessive and repetitive ritualistic behavior that you feel you must perform, or something bad will happen. Examples include hand washing, counting, silent mental rituals, checking door locks, etc.
• The ritualistic compulsions take up a least one hour or more per day
• You perform these physical rituals or mental acts to reduce the severe anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts.