Compulsions refer to repetitive, ritualized behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform. Compulsions are typically aimed at reducing distress or preventing a feared outcome. They are most commonly associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), in which an individual engages in a compulsion in response to an obsession, although they can appear in other mental health conditions as well. Examples of compulsions include: excessive handwashing or cleaning, reordering or rearranging, asking for reassurance repeatedly, touching items a certain amount of times, or repeating words mentally. Compulsions can provide temporary relief for individuals but ultimately reinforce symptoms in the long-term.
