Y-BOCS
OCD Screener
Updated: 1/7/2026
1. What the Y-BOCS is (and what it isn’t)
The Y-BOCS (Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) is a widely used, evidence-based tool for measuring the severity of OCD symptoms - how much obsessions and compulsions are taking up time, causing distress, and interfering with daily life. It’s considered the most common clinician rating scale used in OCD care and research.
It’s not a diagnosis by itself. The Y-BOCS is designed to rate symptom severity, not to determine whether someone “has OCD” (that requires a clinical assessment and context). It is very useful as a tool for getting a clear baseline and tracking progress as treatment unfolds.
2. Who is the Y-BOCS for?
The Y-BOCS is most useful for people who suspect OCD - or who already know OCD is part of the picture - and want a clearer sense of:
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how intense the symptoms are right now
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how much time is going into obsessions and compulsions
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how much distress and disruption they’re causing
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whether treatment is helping over time
It can be especially helpful if you experience:
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intrusive, unwanted thoughts (including “what if I…?” thoughts that feel disturbing or out of character)
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strong urges to do rituals (checking, cleaning, mental reviewing, reassurance-seeking, repeating, counting, “just right” behaviors)
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avoidance of situations that trigger obsessions or uncertainty
If you’re neurodivergent: the Y-BOCS can still be helpful, but interpretation needs care. Repetitive behaviors can show up for many reasons (regulation, routine, sensory needs), and a good assessment looks at function and meaning, not just surface behavior.
3. What to expect when taking the Y-BOCS
This version of the Y-BOCS is self-report and takes 2-3 minutes to complete. There are other, more extensive, versions of the Y-BOCS for use with a clinician.
You’ll be asked about your symptoms over the past week (including today)—not just whether they exist, but how much they impact your life.
The questions focus on themes like:
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time spent on obsessions/compulsions
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interference with work, school, relationships, or daily tasks
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distress and anxiety when symptoms show up
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effort to resist (if any)
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sense of control over symptoms
4. Understanding your score
The core Y-BOCS severity scale includes 10 items, each rated 0–4:
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Obsessions subtotal: items 1–5 (0–20)
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Compulsions subtotal: items 6–10 (0–20)
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Total score: 0–40
Score ranges:
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0–7: Subclinical
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8–15: Mild
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16–23: Moderate
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24–32: Severe
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32–40: Extreme
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Note: the score is helpful, but the pattern matters too - what's most important is a clinical interpretation that assesses your personal experience and level of need.
5. Next steps
If your score is subclinical or mild (0–15)
You might focus on:
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learning OCD “mechanics” (obsessions → anxiety/uncertainty → compulsions/avoidance → short-term relief → stronger OCD loop)
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noticing your most common compulsions (including mental ones like reviewing, checking feelings, or replaying conversations)
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reducing reassurance cycles and building small tolerance for uncertainty - with support if needed
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If your score is moderate or higher (16+)
It’s often worth seeking specialized support, because OCD tends to respond best to OCD-specific, evidence-based treatment. That may include approaches like ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and other CBT-based models designed for OCD. The key is a plan that targets compulsions + avoidance + reassurance (not just anxiety in general).
6. Additional Resources
If you are interested in further support, learn more about the expertise available here at ScienceWorks!
Our unique care model spans three essential domains to function as a “one-stop-shop” for mental health.
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Assessments: Understand yourself and your treatment better with assessments for ADHD, autism, and general diagnostics. Our custom packages are efficient and affordable.
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Therapy: Dynamic, evidence-based treatments for a wide range of conditions – get an individualized treatment plan with targeted therapies adapted for your brain and your objectives to support the whole person.
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Coaching: Understand your neurotype and enhance treatment outcomes by turning therapeutic concepts into everyday skills to maximize their benefits.
Note: Screeners cannot be used to diagnose or treat any mental health condition - nor can they be used to replace dedicated care from a qualified professional. They can be a helpful tool when searching for, or working with, a professional. If you have questions about applicability, please contact us!