Assessment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Spectrum Disorders

This paper summarizes a variety of assessment tools for use with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive (OC) spectrum conditions. The description of instruments and methods of assessment is intended to help clinicians identify measures that might be especially useful in determining, first, what problems to address in treatment and, second, whether therapy is having the desired effect. Included are clinician interviews, self-report questionnaires, clinician-rated forms, and behavioral observations and self-monitoring by the patient. These cover patients’ presenting symptoms, comorbid conditions, mood, ability to function, family aspects, and cognitive factors including insight, beliefs, and motivation. Clinicians are encouraged to provide immediate feedback about patients’ responses to interviews, questionnaires, and behavioral measures so that they understand the purpose of the instrument and its relevance to their treatment. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 3:169–185 (2003)]