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 probably has:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Margaret's behavior is indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She is experiencing compulsions (checking the appliances and doors) and is unable to resist them due to the distress they cause her (anxiety). This behavior is also interfering with her daily life, as she has to perform the ritual 17 times before leaving her home. Specific phobia, bipolar disorder, and dissociative identity disorder are not likely diagnoses given the information provided.

Before Leaving Her Home, Margaret Makes Sure That Every Electrical