What best describes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

• A. Anxiety disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions
• B. Persistent, non-obsessive mood disturbance
• C. Substance use disorder with cravings
• D. Personality trait marked by inflexibility

Answer: (A)

OCD is best understood as an anxiety disorder defined by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety. To relieve that distress, the person performs compulsions—repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event. These rituals are time-consuming and cause clear impairment in daily functioning, and they’re not simply due to another medical condition or substance. This pattern of distressing thoughts combined with repetitive actions is what distinguishes OCD from the other choices: a persistent mood disturbance describes a mood disorder, substance use with cravings points to addiction, and a rigid personality trait does not capture the characteristic obsessions and compulsions.