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Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory
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About Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory
Scale Name
Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory
Author Details
Foa, E. B., Kozak, M. J., Salkovskis, P. M., Coles, M. E., & Amir, N.
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
Imagine stepping into a therapist’s office, not to spill your deepest secrets, but to paint a picture of your inner struggles with unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors. This is the essence of the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI), a tool wielded by mental health professionals to delve into the intricate world of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Developed by Dr. Edna B. Foa and a team of renowned researchers, the OCI isn’t a crystal ball for diagnosis. It’s a questionnaire, a series of statements about common OCD symptoms like excessive handwashing, persistent doubts, or intrusive thoughts. You, as the individual experiencing these, rate how much each statement resonates with your distress, on a scale ranging from “Not at all distressing” to “Extremely distressing.”
But this seemingly simple act yields powerful insights. The OCI’s brilliance lies in its ability to categorize these ratings into different subtypes of OCD. It can identify whether intrusive thoughts plague you, whether you struggle with compulsive checking, or if hoarding tendencies take over your life. This personalized profile unlocks treatment possibilities, ensuring interventions target the specific types of OCD impacting you.
Think of the OCI as a compass guiding therapists through the complex landscape of OCD. It can be used to:
- Screen for OCD: While not definitive, the OCI can raise red flags about potential OCD, prompting further investigation.
- Measure symptom severity: By tracking scores over time, therapists can monitor the effectiveness of treatment and adjust interventions as needed.
- Identify specific OCD subtypes: Knowing the precise type of OCD someone faces allows for targeted therapy, maximizing its effectiveness.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Preparation: The OCI should be administered in a quiet, private setting where the individual can complete it without distractions. The individual should be given clear instructions on how to complete the questionnaire, and they should be encouraged to ask any questions they may have.
- Instructions: The individual should be instructed to read each statement carefully and then select the number that best describes how much the statement has bothered or distressed them in the past month. There are no right or wrong answers, and the individual should be encouraged to be honest and accurate in their responses.
- Scoring: Once the individual has completed the questionnaire, the clinician will score it by adding up the numbers for each statement. The total score and the scores on the individual subscales can be used to assess the severity of OCD symptoms and to identify the specific types of OCD that the individual has.
- Interpretation: The clinician will interpret the OCI scores in the context of the individual’s other symptoms and history. The OCI score is not a definitive diagnosis of OCD, but it can be a helpful tool in making a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan.
Reliability and Validity
The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI), brainchild of Dr. Edna B. Foa, stands as a testament to meticulous research and dedication in the domain of OCD assessment. Its reliability and validity are cornerstones of its utility in clinical practice, offering valuable insights into the nuances of OCD symptoms.
Available Versions
42-Items
Reference
Foa, E. B., Kozak, M. J., Salkovskis, P. M., Coles, M. E., & Amir, N. (1998). The validation of a new obsessive–compulsive disorder scale: The Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory. Psychological assessment, 10(3), 206.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OCI?
Self-report questionnaire assessing OCD symptom severity.
Not a diagnostic tool, but helps track symptoms and tailor treatment.
Who developed it?
Primarily Dr. Edna B. Foa, with contributions from other researchers.
What does it measure?
OCD symptom severity and specific subtypes (washing, checking, etc.).
How is it used?
Screening for potential OCD.
Monitoring symptom progress during treatment.
Identifying specific OCD types for targeted interventions.
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