Which of the following disorders is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety?

• A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• B. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• C. Panic Disorder
• D. Bipolar Disorder

Answer: (B)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to significant anxiety. To cope with this anxiety, individuals with OCD engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts known as compulsions. These compulsions are performed to reduce the distress associated with the obsessions or to prevent a feared event. The key aspect of OCD is this cycle of obsessions and compulsions, where the intrusive thoughts are not merely worries, but distressing and uncontrollable, and the compulsive behaviors provide only temporary relief from the anxiety they cause.

In contrast, Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worry about various aspects of everyday life without the specific intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors seen in OCD. Panic Disorder is characterized by sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort known as panic attacks, and does not typically involve compulsive behaviors. Bipolar Disorder is primarily marked by mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression) rather than the cognitive and behavioral patterns found in OCD. This distinct combination of intrusive thoughts and compulsive actions makes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder the correct answer to the question.