Which statement is true regarding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

The statement regarding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that accurately reflects its characteristics is that symptoms include compulsive rituals and intrusive thoughts. OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions, which are persistent, unwanted thoughts or images that cause significant anxiety. To alleviate the distress associated with these obsessions, individuals often feel compelled to perform certain rituals or behaviors, known as compulsions. This cycle of obsessive thoughts leading to compulsive actions is central to the disorder and distinguishes it from other mental health conditions.

Other statements present misconceptions about OCD. While it is indeed classified as an anxiety disorder, this classification alone does not capture the full complexity of OCD, which involves specific behavioral patterns and thought processes. Additionally, OCD can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adolescents, thus indicating that it does not exclusively affect adults. Lastly, although some symptoms of OCD may overlap with certain attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) characteristics, they are fundamentally different conditions and are typically diagnosed separately.