Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

1. Inability to experience emotions

2. Characterized by recurrent mental images

3. Presence of obsessions and compulsions

4. Habitual behaviors with no underlying thoughts

The correct answer is: Presence of obsessions and compulsions

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is defined by the presence of both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Individuals often engage in compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to the obsessions or according to rigid rules, in an effort to reduce the anxiety associated with these thoughts or to prevent a feared event. This cycle of obsessions and compulsions is a hallmark of OCD, which distinguishes it from other anxiety disorders or behavioral issues. The other options describe aspects that do not accurately represent OCD. For instance, the inability to experience emotions does not relate to the disorder; many individuals with OCD experience a range of emotions despite their condition. Furthermore, while recurrent mental images can be part of the disorder, they don’t encapsulate the complexity of the condition, which specifically includes the interplay of obsessions and compulsions. Lastly, habitual behaviors without underlying thoughts may occur in other contexts but do not reflect the specific compulsion-driven nature of OCD, where behaviors are directly linked to obsessive thoughts. Thus, the accurate definition focuses explicitly on the intertwining of obsessions and compulsions as the defining characteristics of OCD.