Which feature characterizes Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders?

• A. Recurrent thoughts and repetitive actions
• B. Mood swings
• C. Insomnia
• D. Weight changes

Answer: (A)

Recurrent intrusive thoughts paired with repetitive behaviors define Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that cause distress, and compulsions are repetitive actions or mental acts performed to relieve that distress or prevent a feared outcome. The defining feature is this pattern of recurring thoughts and ritualized behaviors that the person feels driven to perform, often taking a lot of time or causing impairment. Mood swings, insomnia, and weight changes may occur with many conditions but do not capture the core pattern of obsessions and compulsions that characterizes these disorders. For example, a person might repeatedly check doors or wash hands in response to intrusive contamination fears.