Which term describes repetitive behaviors driven by anxiety?

• A. Compulsions
• B. Phobias
• C. Delusions
• D. Hallucinations

Answer: (A)

Repetitive behaviors driven by anxiety describe compulsions, a hallmark feature of obsessive-compulsive patterns. When a person experiences intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions), they feel compelled to perform specific actions or mental acts to reduce that anxiety or to prevent a feared outcome. These actions are performed repeatedly and in a ritualized way, even if they don’t make practical sense. Common examples include washing, checking, counting, or ordering items until the urge subsides.

Phobias involve intense fear of a specific object or situation, often leading to avoidance rather than ritualized compulsion. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that aren’t swayed by contrary evidence, and hallucinations are sensory experiences without external stimuli. None of these describe the repetitive, anxiety-driven behaviors seen in compulsions.