A 26-year-old woman complains of lack of energy and decreased sleep, awakening to check doors and windows. This is an example of

• A. Agoraphobia
• B. Alcohol abuse
• C. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• D. Panic disorder

Answer: (C)

Repetitive checking driven by intrusive worries is classic for obsessive-compulsive disorder. In OCD, people experience obsessions—unwanted, distressing thoughts or urges (for example, fear of a break-in or harm if doors and windows aren’t checked). They perform compulsions—time-consuming, ritualistic behaviors like repeatedly checking locks—to relieve the anxiety those obsessions produce. The need to check doors and windows in the middle of the night fits that pattern: a ritual performed to alleviate persistent safety-related worries, often at the expense of sleep and energy.

This differs from panic disorder, where the main issue is unexpected panic attacks with intense physical symptoms and fear of future attacks, not a pattern of ritualistic behaviors. Agoraphobia focuses on fear of places or situations where escape might be hard, leading to avoidance, not repetitive checking. Alcohol abuse would involve substance-related effects or withdrawal, not these obsessions and compulsions.