Read the passage and answer the questions:
Reeva noticed that Seema washes her hands very frequently. In addition to this, she used to walk only within the patterns drawn on the floor or road. Further, it was noticed that she was unable to control her preoccupation with specific ideas and failed to prevent herself from repeatedly carrying out a particular act or a series of acts. Therefore, Seema experiences anxiety and disturbances in her life. These pattern of thoughts and behaviour have affected her ability to carry out normal activities.
The inability to stop thinking about a particular idea or topic is known as:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Obsessive behaviour
Option (1) Compulsive behaviour — Incorrect. Compulsion is the need to perform certain behaviours over and over again, such as washing or counting. It is an act, not a thought one cannot stop.
Option (2) Unpleasant behaviour — Incorrect. There is no such term for this symptom.
Option (3) Obsessive behaviour — Correct. Obsession is the inability to stop thinking about a particular idea or topic. The person often finds these thoughts unpleasant and shameful.
Option (4) Intrusive behaviour — Incorrect. There is no such term. Obsessive thoughts are intrusive, which is perhaps why the word is offered, but the name of the symptom is obsession.
NCERT (2025-26): “Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders … 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.…” |