Question

Cleaning of hands very frequently is a symptom of

• A. Obsessive compulsive neurosis
• B. Hysteria
• C. Schizophrenia
• D. Paranoia

Hint:

Remember the OCD cycle: {Obsession} (e.g., "My hands are contaminated!") -> {Anxiety} -> {Compulsion} (e.g., wash hands) -> {Temporary Relief}. Frequent, ritualistic cleaning is a key sign of a compulsion.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question describes a specific behavior—frequent hand cleaning—and asks for the corresponding diagnosis. This requires knowledge of the symptoms of various mental disorders.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Obsessive compulsive neurosis: This is an older term for what is now known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is characterized by two main components:

Obsessions: Recurrent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, often about contamination or germs.
Compulsions: Repetitive, ritualistic behaviors that an individual feels driven to perform to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions. Frequent hand washing is a classic example of a compulsion related to an obsession with germs.
(B) Hysteria is an outdated term for conversion disorder or somatic symptom disorder.
(C) Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder with symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.
(D) Paranoia is characterized by delusions of persecution or mistrust.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Very frequent hand cleaning is a classic compulsive behavior, which is a hallmark symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (historically called Obsessive-Compulsive Neurosis).