In OCD, if patient tries to resist obsession, then patient develops?
**Core Concept**
The core concept being tested here is the pathophysiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), specifically the relationship between obsessions and compulsions. **OCD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that trigger repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety.**
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
When an individual with OCD tries to resist their obsession, they may experience an increase in anxiety, which can lead to the development of **compulsions**. This is due to the **dysfunctional circuitry in the brain**, particularly in the orbitofrontal cortex and basal ganglia, which are involved in the regulation of emotions and motor responses. The attempt to suppress the obsession triggers a **urge-disinhibition response**, resulting in the development of compulsions as a maladaptive coping mechanism.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it doesn't accurately describe the relationship between obsessions and compulsions in OCD. **Resistance to obsessions doesn't lead to the development of new obsessions**; rather, it triggers compulsions.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it's too vague and doesn't specifically address the pathophysiology of OCD. **Anxiety is a symptom of OCD**, but it's not the direct consequence of resisting an obsession.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it's unrelated to the pathophysiology of OCD. **Hypervigilance is a symptom of anxiety disorders**, but it's not directly linked to the relationship between obsessions and compulsions in OCD.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical correlation to remember is that **OCD often involves a "double standard"**, where individuals with OCD may have a different standard for themselves compared to others. For example, they may think it's okay for others to engage in a behavior but not for themselves.
**Correct Answer:** C.