The OCD Awareness Scale: Expert-Based Content Validation of a New Measure for Increasing OCD Awareness and Supporting Assessment

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that is often misdiagnosed due to the broad range of ways that OCD presents. Furthermore, the delay between onset of symptoms and receiving effective treatment is substantial, with research showing an average gap of 17 years. Having an OCD assessment measure that is accurate, comprehensive, understandable, and accessible may help to reduce this significant delay. This study was conducted as an expert validation study of the OCD Awareness Scale, a new measure aimed at filling a needed space to improve the awareness and assessment of OCD. One hundred and four OCD specialists were contacted between October 2024 and January 2025 to participate in the study. All participants are prominent researchers and/or professionals who work in OCD specialty practices or hospitals. Participants reviewed the OCD Awareness Scale and assessed the accuracy across each of the 15 obsessional themes and 19 compulsion themes. Additional assessment questions and demographics were also obtained. Thirty-three specialists completed the survey. On a five-point Likert scale (5 being Very Accurate), the obsessional themes (M = 4.5, SD = 0.7) and compulsion themes (M = 4.6, SD = 0.6) were rated with strong accuracy. Moreover, 100% of the participants rated the Scale as Very Understandable or Understandable and 97% reported the Scale as Very Understandable or Understandable for non-professionals. Additionally, based on the OCD specialists feedback, the final version of the scale increased from 15 to 17 obsession themes and from 19 to 22 compulsion themes. The OCD Awareness Scale was well received by OCD specialists, who rated it as an accurate, helpful, and comprehensive diagnostic aid to support OCD recognition and assessment.

Keywords

OCD awareness scale OCD obsessive-compulsive disorder assessment tool increasing awareness

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