Intrusive Thoughts Test: Symptoms, Causes, and Assessments
Do you have any obsessive-compulsive behaviors that bother you? The Intrusive Thoughts Test can give you an idea of whether you may have an emotional issue that needs attention.
Other tools, such as the test to evaluate OCD in adults, can also help determine if your intrusive thoughts are unrelated to anxiety.
Keep in mind that none of these tests should be used for self-diagnosis. It is best to consult a professional for a proper evaluation of your situation.
What is the Intrusive Thoughts Test?
Like any psychological test available online, the Intrusive Thoughts Test consists of a series of questions or statements to respond to.
Each item assesses characteristics of intrusive thoughts caused by depression, anxiety, ADHD, or OCD. There are no right or wrong answers, so it is crucial to be honest with each response and not leave anything out.
Symptoms of Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are characterized by constant and frequent thinking about certain topics.
They may lead to anxiety-driven intrusive thoughts, often identified by:
- Extreme worry about events that haven’t happened yet.
- Recurring memories of traumatic experiences.
- Fear of judgment for their thoughts, often leading to compulsive habits to avoid them.
The goal is to reduce these thoughts and remember: “We are not what we think”; actions matter more than ideas.
Causes of Intrusive Thoughts
The exact cause of intrusive thoughts cannot always be pinpointed, but they may result from biological factors affecting body chemistry.
Other potential causes include:
- Genetics: Although no specific gene has been identified yet.
- Learned behaviors: Intrusive thought patterns may stem from family practices observed during childhood.
- Post-traumatic stress: Traumatic events may trigger specific compulsions.
How is the Intrusive Thoughts Test Conducted?
Typically, you can find free online OCD tests comprising questions or statements related to recurring thoughts.
One of the most well-known is the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), where you score points to get a final result.
While the tests are designed for self-administration, it is recommended to complete them with a professional for more reliable results.
Possible Results in an Intrusive Thoughts Test and Their Meaning
If you find an Intrusive Thoughts Test online, it likely includes multiple-choice or true/false options. Possible outcomes include:
- No Intrusive Thoughts: You do not exhibit intrusive or recurring thoughts and are not overly concerned with being perfect.
- Possible Intrusive Thoughts: You may have occasional recurring thoughts but are able to control them. However, consulting a psychologist is advisable if these persist for more than a month.
- Intrusive Thoughts: Severe symptoms interfere with daily life. Writing these thoughts down to "release" them from your mind may help. If this doesn’t work, therapy is highly recommended.
Interpreting the Results
Official assessments like the Y-BOCS consist of a 10-question questionnaire divided into two sections: obsessions and compulsions.
Each question is rated on a scale from 0 to 4, analyzing the patient’s symptoms.
In clinical contexts, patients may also be asked to keep a journal of recurring thoughts to help process them more easily.
Tests like these are adaptable to different languages and social contexts, minimizing cultural or environmental bias in the interpretation of behaviors.
Free Online Intrusive Thoughts Test
If you’re interested in trying an Intrusive Thoughts Test, here’s a simple and dynamic list of statements. Respond with “True” or “False” for each one.
Note: Results should not be taken as a diagnosis. If you suspect symptoms, consult a therapist.
- I frequently have unpleasant or dirty thoughts that I can’t stop.
- I avoid public phones out of fear of germs.
- I value honesty more than most people.
- I’m often late because I need to ensure everything is perfect.
- I avoid touching animals, thinking they might contaminate me.
- Before leaving, I double-check faucets, gas, doors, and locks multiple times.
- I have very rigid moral standards.
- Intrusive thoughts disrupt my day and make me uncomfortable.
- I worry about accidentally bumping into someone and move cautiously.
- Even the simplest tasks cause me doubt.
Results Interpretation:
- Mostly "True" Answers: It is likely that you have tendencies to intrusive thoughts and overthinking, and we recommend that you consult a specialist for a diagnosis.
- Mostly "False" Answers: You have signs that you are within “normal” and can manage your thoughts without feeling anxious or falling into overthinking.