What are the key symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

• A. Physical aggression
• B. Mood swings
• C. Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors
• D. Social withdrawal

Answer: (C)

The key symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) include intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Individuals with OCD often experience obsessive thoughts that cause significant anxiety or distress. These obsessions may involve fears of contamination, harming others, or a need for symmetry, among others. To alleviate the anxiety stemming from these obsessions, individuals engage in compulsive behaviors, which are repetitive actions performed according to rigid rules. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking, or counting.

This defining characteristic of OCD highlights the interplay between obsessions—unwanted and intrusive thoughts—and compulsions—behavioral responses aimed at reducing the anxiety related to those thoughts. While the other choices mention symptoms that can be associated with different psychological conditions, they do not align with the hallmark features of OCD, making intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors the most accurate representation of the disorder's key symptoms.