What characterizes obsessions?

Obsessions are primarily characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts that occur against an individual's will. These thoughts often cause significant anxiety or distress, and the individual typically recognizes them as unwelcome. This is a core feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where the person feels compelled to acknowledge these thoughts, even if they wish to suppress them. This understanding of obsessions is crucial for recognizing the symptoms associated with OCD, as the distress caused by these persistent thoughts can lead to compulsive behaviors, though the actions themselves are not a defining element of the obsession.

In contrast, the other options describe different phenomena: repetitive physical actions refer to compulsions, which are behaviors performed in response to obsessions; feelings of fear and panic may arise from the distress caused by obsessions, but they do not define what an obsession is; and irresistible urges to act are more indicative of compulsions rather than the thoughts that characterize obsessions. Understanding these distinctions is essential for both diagnosing and managing conditions like OCD effectively.