Compulsions are behaviours or mental acts performed in response to an obsession or anxiety-provoking thought, typically to reduce distress or prevent a feared outcome. In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), compulsions are closely linked to obsessions — intrusive, distressing thoughts — and are performed repeatedly despite providing only temporary relief. Common compulsions include checking, cleaning, counting, ordering, seeking reassurance, and mental reviewing.

What lifestyle changes can help with compulsion?

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is the gold-standard psychological approach and requires professional guidance. Mindfulness practices help build tolerance to compulsive urges without acting on them. Reduce stress and sleep deprivation, which increase compulsive drive. Address underlying anxiety as a driver.

What integrative approaches support compulsion?

OCD affects approximately 1–3% of the population. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) has the strongest evidence for OCD-related compulsions. SSRIs are evidence-based as a pharmacological adjunct. Mindfulness-based approaches show promise as adjuncts. ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) has emerging evidence.

When should I seek professional support for compulsion?

Compulsions consuming more than 1 hour per day Compulsions causing significant distress or impairing daily functioning Compulsive behaviours involving self-harm (skin-picking, hair-pulling causing injury) Inability to reduce compulsive behaviours despite a desire to do so

behavioralAlternativeComplementaryHolistic

Compulsion

A persistent urge to perform a behaviour or mental act, often to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. Compulsions are frequently associated with OCD but can arise across a range of psychological and behavioural conditions.

Understand what may be causing this

Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Integrative Health Content Review26 March 2026High Evidence

Quick answer

Compulsions (ICD-10: F42; ICD-11: 6B20) are repetitive urge-driven behaviours most commonly associated with OCD. ERP has the strongest evidence base. Mindfulness and ACT are evidence-informed adjuncts. Professional support is essential for clinical presentations.

Recognition

Do any of these feel familiar?

Repetitive behaviours performed to reduce anxiety or distress

Feeling unable to resist the urge to perform certain actions

Temporary relief following the compulsive act

Awareness that the behaviour is excessive but feeling unable to stop

Compulsions consuming significant time or causing functional impairment

What is Compulsion?

Approaches Commonly Explored

Commonly explored for conditions related to Compulsion, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.

Integrates across:ComplementaryAlternative

How to use these approaches

🛡 Stabilise— Immediate relief

⚖️ Regulate— System balancing

🌱 Resolve— Root cause

✦ Sustain— Long-term

Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.

Psychological Mechanism

Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.

Positive Thinking

ComplementaryModerate

Self-Esteem Coaching

AlternativeEmerging

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Compulsion

Do any of these feel familiar?

Approaches Commonly Explored

Positive Thinking

Self-Esteem Coaching

Ready to find support for Compulsion?

What You Can Do Now

This symptom is often connected to

Body dysmorphic disorder

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About Compulsion

Integrative Approaches & Evidence

When to Seek Support

Frequently Asked Questions

References