Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by which features?

• A. A disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts and/or actions to reduce anxiety
• B. A mood disorder with alternating depression and mania
• C. A psychotic disorder with delusions
• D. A disorder causing amnesia

Answer: (A)

OCD is defined by intrusive, unwanted thoughts that create anxiety, paired with repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to relieve that anxiety. The description “unwanted repetitive thoughts and/or actions to reduce anxiety” captures both parts: obsessions (the intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (the repetitive acts done to ease the distress). These rituals are intended to neutralize the fear or discomfort caused by the obsessions, even though they may be time-consuming and impair daily functioning.

The other descriptions fit different conditions: mood swings with depression and mania point to bipolar disorder; delusions suggest a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia; amnesia refers to memory loss or dissociative conditions. In OCD, the hallmark is the cycle of distress from unwanted thoughts and the compulsive attempts to mitigate that distress through rituals.