Which is considered a hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

The hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by time-consuming obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. These obsessions and compulsions can take up a considerable amount of time, often more than one hour per day, and can interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.

In the context of OCD, this time-consuming nature distinguishes it from other mental health conditions. For instance, recurrent panic attacks, generalized worry about health, and social withdrawal are features associated with different disorders, such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder, respectively. While individuals with OCD may experience anxiety and distress similar to those with other anxiety disorders, the specific combination of obsessions and compulsions underpins the diagnosis of OCD. Therefore, the focus on the time-consuming aspect of these symptoms highlights the pervasive impact they have on an individual’s life, confirming that option B accurately represents a core element of OCD.