Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by:

• A. Recurrent mood swings without anxiety
• B. Unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive actions (compulsions)
• C. Sudden episodes of psychosis
• D. Excessive worry about health only

Answer: (B)

The defining feature here is the presence of intrusive, unwanted thoughts or urges (obsessions) along with repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that the person feels driven to perform. Obsessions are distressing, often about contamination, harming someone, or needing things to be in a perfect order. In response, the person carries out compulsions—like washing, checking, counting, or repeating routines—to try to relieve the anxiety those thoughts provoke. These obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and cause clear distress or impairment in daily functioning, which is what makes OCD distinct from other anxiety or mood-related problems. It’s not simply mood swings, sudden psychosis, or a health-focused worry alone; those describe different conditions.

The defining feature here is the presence of intrusive, unwanted thoughts or urges (obsessions) along with repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that the person feels driven to perform. Obsessions are distressing, often about contamination, harming someone, or needing things to be in a perfect order. In response, the person carries out compulsions—like washing, checking, counting, or repeating routines—to try to relieve the anxiety those thoughts provoke. These obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and cause clear distress or impairment in daily functioning, which is what makes OCD distinct from other anxiety or mood-related problems. It’s not simply mood swings, sudden psychosis, or a health-focused worry alone; those describe different conditions.