Compulsions, or repetitive behaviors, are one of the key characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is a mental disorder in which a person has intrusive and involuntary thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions) that cause distress and anxiety.
Obsessive thoughts can take many forms and may include, for example, fear of dirt, obsessive doubts, recurring fears, and so on. Compulsions, on the other hand, are actions that a person performs in order to reduce the distress caused by obsessive thoughts. For example, this may include repeatedly checking doors or faucets, frequent handwashing, repetitive rituals, and so on.
Compulsions in OCD are performed as if "under compulsion" and are often an attempt to prevent possible negative consequences associated with obsessive thoughts. However, performing these compulsions provides only temporary relief and does not solve the problem, and the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsions may repeat.
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