Which symptoms characterize obsessive compulsive disorder as described?

• A. Compulsive rituals such as checking and cleaning.
• B. Delusions and hallucinations.
• C. Mood swings and personality changes.
• D. Memory loss and disorientation.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that obsessive-compulsive disorder centers on persistent intrusive thoughts paired with repetitive behaviors used to relieve the anxiety these thoughts cause. Compulsive rituals like checking and cleaning are classic examples because they are the repetitive actions people perform to reduce distress from their obsessions. These rituals are often time-consuming and ego-dystonic, meaning the person recognizes them as excessive but feels driven to perform them anyway.

Other symptoms described in the distractors fit different conditions: delusions and hallucinations are characteristic of psychotic disorders; mood swings and personality changes align with mood or personality disorders; memory loss and disorientation point to cognitive or neurological conditions.