Before leaving her home, Margaret makes sure that every electrical appliance is unplugged and checks that every window and door is securely locked. She checks everything 17 times according to a strict ritual that she has worked out. If she misses one window, door, or appliance, she must begin all over again. If she tries to skip any step of the ritual, she experiences unbearable anxiety. Margaret is probably suffering from:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Margaret is exhibiting symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which involves persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed in response to those thoughts. Margaret's excessive checking behavior is a compulsion driven by the obsession that something terrible will happen if she misses one step. This behavior interferes with her ability to function normally and causes distress, which are hallmark features of OCD.

Before Leaving Her Home, Margaret Makes Sure That Every Electrical