Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that you feel like you have to do repeatedly to get rid of the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. These thoughts and behaviors occupy your mind and often interfere with your daily life.

Compulsions can range from washing hands frequently to repeatedly checking doors and windows or obsessively counting things.

Symptoms of Compulsions

Compulsions are linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and some people struggle with both. If you’re unsure if you’re experiencing compulsions, here are some symptoms:.

• You have repetitive thoughts or images, like the idea that your loved ones will suffer harm unless you take certain actions
• You feel distressed by these fears and feel like you have to engage in certain behaviors to calm down
• You perform repetitive behaviors that you feel compelled to do, even if they’re time-consuming, embarrassing, or irrational
• If you don’t perform the compulsive behaviors, you feel like something bad will happen or you’ll feel even more anxious

Causes of Compulsions

Till date, no one knows the exact cause of compulsions. However, certain risk factors make some people more prone to compulsions, including:.

• Family history: having a family member with OCD can increase the likelihood of developing compulsions
• Brain differences: some studies suggest that people with OCD and compulsions have abnormal brain activity in some areas linked to decision-making, organization, and communication between different parts of the brain
• Stressful events: trauma, abuse, death of a loved one, or difficult life events can trigger obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors
• Anxiety or depression: people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly struggle with anxiety or compulsions

How to Deal with Compulsions

If you’re struggling with compulsions, you need help. Here are some ways to cope with compulsions:.

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• Talk to a therapist or counselor: They can help diagnose and treat OCD and compulsions, either alone or combined with medication
• Create a treatment plan: work with your therapist to create a plan to manage compulsions and other symptoms
• Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help you deal with obsessive thoughts and behaviors by changing the way you think and behave by exploring your thoughts and beliefs that trigger compulsions
• Join a support group: Online or in-person support groups can help you connect with others who understand your struggles,
• Learn relaxation techniques: such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation, to reduce stress and anxiety that often lead to compulsive behavior

Compulsions and Addiction

There is also a strong correlation between compulsive behaviors, particularly compulsive drug use, and addiction. Compulsions that lead to addiction aren’t only limited to drugs.

But these behaviours can include gambling, shopping, and even eating or exercising. While compulsions and addictions are different, it’s not uncommon for someone struggling with compulsions to experience addiction. Both disorders involve a lack of control over actions and behaviors and can impair daily life.

Conclusion

Compulsions are irrational and time-consuming behaviors that can first appear harmless but eventually interfere with everyday living.

The earlier that people can identify thoughts or behaviors as compulsive and get help, the better the outcome for recovery. Knowing that compulsions are linked to OCD and having an understanding of their symptoms, causes, and treatments can help you get on the right path for recovery.