Which of the following is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by persistent and unwanted obsessions or compulsions that result in senseless and time-consuming rituals? A. generalized anxiety disorder B. panic disorder C. posttraumatic stress disorder D. obsessive-compulsive disorder

D. obsessive-compulsive disorder

Extra: Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear, anxiety, and related behavioral disturbances. Here's a brief overview of each of the disorders you've mentioned:

A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by chronic and excessive worry about a number of different things such as health, work, social interactions, and routine life circumstances. People with GAD find it difficult to control their worry on more days than not for at least six months, often feeling restless, fatigued, irritable, and experiencing muscle tension and sleep disturbances.

B. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks which are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, pounding heart, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, feelings of impending doom, or fear of losing control. Panic disorder is often accompanied by persistent concern about having additional attacks and their consequences.

C. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can develop following a traumatic event that threatens your safety or makes you feel helpless. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the disorder you inquired about. OCD is characterized by unwanted and intrusive obsessive thoughts that trigger intensely distressing feelings. To relieve the stress caused by these obsessions, people with OCD may carry out compulsions -- ritualistic behaviors or mental acts -- such as excessive hand-washing, locking and relocking doors, counting, or repeating certain words or phrases. The rituals are performed in hope of preventing or stopping the obsessive thoughts, but this relief is temporary and often reinforces the compulsive behaviors