Which term denotes intrusive and unwanted thoughts?

Which term denotes intrusive and unwanted thoughts?

• A. Obsessions
• B. Perseveration
• C. Echolalia
• D. Blocking

Answer: (A)

Intrusive and unwanted thoughts are described as obsessions. These thoughts are typically distressing and ego-dystonic, meaning the person recognizes them as excessive or unwanted and they cause significant worry or anxiety. People often try to resist or neutralize obsessions with compulsive behaviors or mental acts. The other terms refer to different phenomena: perseveration is the repetitive focus on a single idea or task, often due to cognitive rigidity; echolalia is the automatic repetition of another person’s words; blocking is a temporary inability to speak or remember words. So the term that matches intrusive, unwanted thoughts is obsessions.

Intrusive and unwanted thoughts are described as obsessions. These thoughts are typically distressing and ego-dystonic, meaning the person recognizes them as excessive or unwanted and they cause significant worry or anxiety. People often try to resist or neutralize obsessions with compulsive behaviors or mental acts. The other terms refer to different phenomena: perseveration is the repetitive focus on a single idea or task, often due to cognitive rigidity; echolalia is the automatic repetition of another person’s words; blocking is a temporary inability to speak or remember words. So the term that matches intrusive, unwanted thoughts is obsessions.