What condition is characterized by excessive fear of imminent danger and ritualistic behavior?

The condition characterized by excessive fear of imminent danger and ritualistic behavior is best described as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This disorder involves recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that the person feels driven to perform. The fear of imminent danger can manifest through obsessive thoughts about potential threats, while the ritualistic behaviors are attempts to alleviate the anxiety associated with those thoughts.

Anxiety disorders, which include a range of conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, are marked by excessive worry or fear but do not specifically include the compulsive rituals that are definitive to OCD. Similarly, panic disorder primarily involves sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort known as panic attacks, which can create a sense of imminent danger but do not involve ritual behaviors. Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is characterized by mood swings between depressive and manic states and does not primarily focus on fear or compulsive actions.