Devon checks the stove multiple times each night due to his fear of it causing a fire. What might he be diagnosed with?

Devon's behavior of repeatedly checking the stove due to his fear of a fire illustrates key characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Individuals with OCD often experience intrusive thoughts or obsessions—like the fear of fire in this case—that lead to compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a perceived threat. The act of checking the stove multiple times can be seen as a compulsive behavior, which is a hallmark of OCD.

Additionally, those diagnosed with OCD are aware that their thoughts and behaviors are irrational but feel compelled to act on them to alleviate their anxiety. In Devon's situation, the checking ritual is a response to his obsessive fear, highlighting the cyclical nature of obsessions and compulsions that define this disorder. Other options focus on different types of anxiety and fear that do not fully encapsulate the compulsive behavior tied to his specific fear.