What describes a combination of emotional and behavioral symptoms?

The correct answer is associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is characterized by a combination of emotional symptoms such as anxiety, distress, and obsession with specific thoughts, as well as behavioral symptoms like compulsions or repetitive actions that the individual feels driven to perform. These compulsions are often attempts to alleviate the anxiety brought on by the obsessions. People with OCD may experience significant emotional turmoil due to their intrusive thoughts, leading to repetitive behaviors that may temporarily reduce their anxiety but ultimately reinforce the disorder.

In contrast, while bipolar disorder involves emotional symptoms such as mood swings and episodes of mania or depression, it is distinguished by its cyclical nature rather than focusing solely on the interplay of thoughts and behaviors typical of OCD. Panic disorder primarily manifests through intense episodes of panic attacks, emphasizing sudden and overwhelming fear rather than a persistent combination of emotions and repeated behaviors. Seasonal affective disorder, although it involves emotional disturbances related to seasonal changes, does not encapsulate the behavioral compulsion typical of OCD.

By understanding the specific features of these conditions, it becomes clear why the focus on obsessive-compulsive disorder accurately fits the description of combining emotional and behavioral symptoms.