Contamination OCD Test

Living with an overwhelming fear of germs, illness, or contamination can be exhausting.

If you find yourself constantly worried about cleanliness, spending excessive time washing or cleaning, or avoiding situations due to contamination fears, you're not alone. 

Many people experience similar struggles, which can be symptoms of contamination OCD. Our quiz is designed to help you understand whether you may be experiencing this specific type of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It can be tough to be honest with yourself and others about what you're going through, but seeking understanding is a brave first step. From here, you can find a path toward healing.

Whether or not your results suggest that you might have contamination OCD, we'll provide resources for getting support. With professional help, you can navigate these overwhelming thoughts and behaviors and build a life that's not run by fear.

How accurate is this quiz?

At Best Therapists, we believe that online mental health quizzes can be an excellent first step towards improving our mental health. Quizzes like this one can educate you and provide opportunities for self-reflection, but note that they are not a substitute for professional assessments and diagnoses.

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Your privacy is important to us, so all results are completely anonymous and no email is required.

Example scenarios of contamination OCD

• Emma is preparing dinner for her family. As she reaches for a raw chicken breast, her heart starts racing. She puts on gloves but still feels anxious about potential bacteria. After handling the chicken, she washes her hands repeatedly, scrubbing for several minutes each time. She then cleans the entire kitchen surface multiple times with bleach, convinced that any missed spot could harbor dangerous germs. This process takes over an hour, and Emma still feels uneasy about serving the meal, worrying that she might have missed something and could make her family sick.
• Michael is on his way to an important job interview. As he boards the bus, he accidentally brushes against another passenger. Immediately, he feels intense anxiety, convinced he's been contaminated. Throughout the ride, he can't stop thinking about the germs he believes are now on his clothes and skin. When he arrives at the interview location, he spends 20 minutes in the bathroom washing his hands and trying to clean his clothes with paper towels. He's late for the interview and struggles to focus, as he's preoccupied with thoughts of contamination.
• Sarah's young child has just recovered from a stomach bug. Even though it's been a week since any symptoms, Sarah is still consumed by fear of recontamination. She washes all bedding and clothes multiple times a day, disinfects every surface in the house repeatedly, and insists that everyone use hand sanitizer constantly. She's unable to relax or sleep properly, always on high alert for any sign of illness. This hypervigilance is causing strain in her relationships and affecting her ability to work and care for her child effectively.

Disclaimer: While these scenarios are based on common experiences of people with contamination OCD, they are fictional examples created for illustrative purposes. If you're experiencing similar symptoms, it's important to consult with a mental health professional for proper evaluation and support.