Hema was very particular about setting the objects like furniture, decorative pieces, utensils etc. in her house in a certain way. She would feel very disturbed and stressed if the objects were not placed in an orderly manner. She may be showing:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Obsessive Compulsion Disorder
Option (1) Separation Anxiety Disorder — Incorrect. Here a person is fearful and anxious about separation from attachment figures, to a degree not suited to her/his age. Hema’s distress is about objects being out of place, not about being away from anyone.
Option (2) Obsessive Compulsion Disorder — Correct. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder cannot control their preoccupation with specific ideas or prevent themselves from repeatedly carrying out a particular act. Many compulsions deal with counting, ordering, checking, touching and washing. Hema’s need to keep things in a fixed order, and her distress when they are not, is such an ordering compulsion.
Option (3) Somatic Symptom Disorder — Incorrect. This involves persistent body-related symptoms and constant worry about one’s health, with frequent visits to doctors. Hema has no bodily complaints.
Option (4) Specific Phobias — Incorrect. A specific phobia is an irrational fear of a certain object or situation, such as an animal or an enclosed space, which the person avoids. Hema does not fear anything; she is driven to keep things orderly.
NCERT (2025-26): “Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders … Have you ever noticed someone washing their hands everytime they touch something, or washing even things like coins, or stepping only within the patterns on the floor or road while walking? People affected by obsessive-compulsive disorder are unable to control their preoccupation with specific ideas or are unable to prevent themselves from repeatedly carrying out a particular act or series of acts that affect their ability to carry out normal activities. Obsessive behaviour is the inability to stop thinking about a particular idea or topic. The person involved, often finds these thoughts to be unpleasant and shameful. Compulsive behaviour is the need to perform certain behaviours over and over again. Many compulsions deal with counting, ordering, checking, touching and washing.…” |