## **Core Concept**
The patient's symptoms, such as excessive hand washing, distress about the behavior, and significant impairment in social life, are characteristic of **Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)**. OCD is an anxiety disorder marked by recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that the individual feels driven to perform. The first-line treatment for OCD often involves a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.

## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The best mode of treatment for OCD, especially for a case like this, involves **Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)**, specifically **Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)**, and **pharmacotherapy with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)**. ERP is a type of CBT that is highly effective for OCD, where the patient is exposed to situations that trigger obsessions, but is prevented from engaging in their usual compulsive response. SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine, are considered first-line pharmacological treatments because they have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of OCD.

## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** While general psychotherapy can be supportive, it is not as effective as CBT, specifically ERP, for treating OCD symptoms.
- **Option B:** Pharmacotherapy alone, without specifying the class of drugs, might not be as effective as a combination of therapies or might not address the specific needs of OCD treatment.
- **Option D:** Other forms of therapy or treatments not specifically tailored for OCD, such as general counseling or alternative therapies, are not considered first-line treatments for OCD.

## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that for OCD, the combination of **ERP** and **SSRIs** offers the most effective treatment approach. It's also crucial to note that patients with OCD often have a significant delay in seeking treatment and may experience substantial distress and impairment before finding effective help.

## **Correct Answer:** C. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and/or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).