A diagnosis is made via a medical professional’s evaluation, based on specific diagnostic criteria.
Medical professionals diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder based on symptoms:
- The presence of obsessions;
- Compulsions; or
- Both.
The obsessions or compulsions must be at least one of the following:
- Time-consuming; and/or
- Cause significant distress or interfere with the individual’s ability to function.
Mental Health Matters 