What is the primary symptom that characterizes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

The primary symptom that characterizes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is indeed the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that are time-consuming and cause significant distress. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that create anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to obsessions or according to rigid rules.

Individuals with OCD often find that these symptoms are not only distressing but also interfere with their daily functioning. The time-consuming nature of these behaviors, often taking up more than an hour each day, is a key aspect that helps to distinguish OCD from other disorders. This distressing aspect is critical because even when the individual recognizes that their obsessions may not be excessive or unreasonable, they often feel compelled to engage in compulsive behaviors in an effort to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

In contrast, social withdrawal, mania or hypomania, and panic attacks do not specifically encapsulate the essence of OCD. Social withdrawal is more associated with various mood and anxiety disorders, while mania and hypomania are features of bipolar disorder, and panic attacks are characteristic of panic disorder. Each of these conditions has its own diagnostic criteria and symptom profiles that differ from the core symptoms