Martha has accumulated such large piles of old papers and magazines that she can no longer use her table or desk, developing what condition?

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Study for the University of Central Florida (UCF) DEP2004 Developmental Psychology Final Exam. Get ready with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Excel in understanding developmental stages and theories!

The condition described in the scenario is characterized by the excessive accumulation of items, to the point that it interferes with the individual's living space and functional use of their environment. Compulsive hoarding is a specific type of hoarding disorder where individuals feel an overwhelming need to save items and experience distress at the thought of discarding them. This behavior often leads to clutter that disrupts daily life, as illustrated by Martha's inability to use her table or desk due to the piling up of old papers and magazines.

While obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) might involve some compulsive behaviors, it is primarily defined by the presence of obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors carried out in response to those thoughts) that are aimed at reducing anxiety. Anxiety disorders represent a broad category of mental health issues characterized by excessive fear or worry across various situations but do not specifically address the significant accumulation of items. Generalized anxiety, specifically, refers to persistent and excessive worry about different aspects of life without the specific compulsive behaviors associated with hoarding. Thus, the best fit for the behavior exhibited by Martha is compulsive hoarding.