Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)
This questionnaire assesses the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. It measures both obsessions (unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors).
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I interpret my Y-BOCS score?
Scores of 0-7 indicate subclinical symptoms, 8-15 mild, 16-23 moderate, 24-31 severe, and 32-40 extreme. Higher scores indicate greater severity of OCD symptoms. This is a screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument.
Is the Y-BOCS a diagnostic tool?
No, the Y-BOCS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose OCD. If you are experiencing significant distress, please reach out to a healthcare provider. Effective treatments, including therapy and medication, are available for OCD.
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What is the Y-BOCS?
The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is a 10-item clinician-rated scale that assesses the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. It is considered the gold standard measure for assessing OCD severity and is widely used in both clinical and research settings.
Obsessions and Compulsions
Obsessions are recurrent, persistent thoughts, images, or impulses that cause distress. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety or prevent feared events. The Y-BOCS assesses both dimensions across five parameters: time occupied, interference, distress, resistance, and control.
Interpreting Your Score
Scores of 0-7 indicate subclinical symptoms, 8-15 mild, 16-23 moderate, 24-31 severe, and 32-40 extreme. Higher scores indicate greater severity of OCD symptoms. This is a screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument. A proper diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified mental health professional.
References
- Goodman, W. K., Price, L. H., Rasmussen, S. A., Mazure, C., Fleischmann, R. L., Hill, C. L., ... & Charney, D. S. (1989). The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale: I. Development, use, and reliability. Archives of general psychiatry, 46(11), 1006-1011.
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