A patient presents with compulsive checking behaviors and significant distress. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?

The diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is appropriate in this case because the patient exhibits compulsive checking behaviors, which are characteristic of this condition. OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions, which are intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety, and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors performed to alleviate the distress caused by these obsessions. The significant distress experienced by the patient further supports this diagnosis, as individuals with OCD often find their compulsions both time-consuming and distressing, impacting their daily functioning.

In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder primarily involves excessive worry about various aspects of life without specific compulsive behaviors. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear of social situations due to concerns about being judged or embarrassed, while post-traumatic stress disorder arises after experiencing a traumatic event and is marked by symptoms such as re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal, rather than compulsive behaviors. Therefore, considering the specific symptomatology presented, OCD is the most fitting diagnosis.