Here is a quick mnemonic/memory aid “CART WHEELS“ to remember about the Diagnostic Tests for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
C: CY-BOCS (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) – A standardized interview to assess the severity of OCD symptoms.
A: Anxiety and Depression Scales – Evaluate comorbid conditions often associated with OCD.
R: Repetitive Thoughts and Behaviors – Clinical observation and patient self-reporting are crucial for identifying repetitive patterns.
T: Trail Making Test – Assesses cognitive flexibility, which may be impaired in individuals with OCD.
W: WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) or WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) – Cognitive testing to understand the individual’s overall intellectual functioning.
H: Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales – Additional tools to measure anxiety and depression levels.
E: EEG (Electroencephalogram) – Useful in ruling out other neurological conditions that may present with similar symptoms.
E: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – While not a diagnostic test, it may be used in treatment, and understanding the response can offer insights.
L: Laboratory Tests – Checking for any underlying medical conditions that might contribute to symptoms or mimic OCD.
S: Self-Report Questionnaires – Instruments like OCI (Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory) for patient self-assessment.