Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is described as which of the following?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is described as which of the following?

• A. A comparison of emotional and behavior symptoms
• B. A fear of open spaces
• C. A transient psychotic episode
• D. A memory-related disorder

Answer: (A)

OCD is best understood as a condition where emotional distress from intrusive thoughts (obsessions) is closely tied to repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions). The anxiety and worry sparked by the intrusive thoughts drive the person to perform specific behaviors to reduce or control that distress, so the disorder involves both emotional experiences and observable behaviors. The other descriptions don’t fit: a fear of open spaces points to agoraphobia, a transient psychotic episode implies temporary loss of contact with reality, and a memory-related disorder involves problems with memory rather than intrusive thoughts and compulsive acts. Understanding OCD in terms of the relationship between distressing thoughts and coping actions helps explain why exposure and response prevention is an effective treatment approach.

OCD is best understood as a condition where emotional distress from intrusive thoughts (obsessions) is closely tied to repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions). The anxiety and worry sparked by the intrusive thoughts drive the person to perform specific behaviors to reduce or control that distress, so the disorder involves both emotional experiences and observable behaviors. The other descriptions don’t fit: a fear of open spaces points to agoraphobia, a transient psychotic episode implies temporary loss of contact with reality, and a memory-related disorder involves problems with memory rather than intrusive thoughts and compulsive acts. Understanding OCD in terms of the relationship between distressing thoughts and coping actions helps explain why exposure and response prevention is an effective treatment approach.