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.
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?
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.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Compulsion, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.
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