14. Psychological Disorders

An irrational and often persistent fear of an object, situation, or activity is called

Joey has been struggling with _____, characterized by the intruding thought that his hands are covered in germs. He cannot pursue daily tasks unless he completes a ritualistic routine to wash his hands until he feels clean. These rituals have taken up so much of his time that he rarely manages to finish a task or complete his work at his job.