Dysarthria is characterized by which of the following?

Dysarthria is a speech disorder that specifically relates to difficulty in articulation of sounds. This condition occurs due to weakness or lack of coordination of the muscles used in speech, which can result from neurological conditions, brain injuries, or other medical issues affecting the central nervous system. Individuals with dysarthria may find it challenging to pronounce words correctly, leading to impaired speech clarity.

The other options present concepts that, while relevant in different contexts, do not accurately describe dysarthria. A lack of coordination in movement pertains more to general motor function and may relate to conditions affecting motor control but doesn't specifically define dysarthria. An inability to articulate thoughts clearly pertains to cognitive aspects of speech and language, which is more aligned with conditions like aphasia rather than dysarthria. Finally, a defense mechanism against anxiety pertains to psychological behavior and does not connect to the physical speech impairment that dysarthria represents. Thus, the specific hallmark of dysarthria lies in the challenges associated with articulating sounds properly.