As a plural symptom presentation, compulsions typically describes the pattern of multiple or varied repetitive behaviours performed across different domains. Like individual compulsions, they arise in response to obsessional or anxiety-driven triggers and function to neutralise distress temporarily. Multiple compulsions often indicate a more complex OCD presentation or, in some cases, overlapping conditions including hoarding disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, or skin picking.

What lifestyle changes can help with compulsions?

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is central to reducing compulsions – resist performing the compulsion while tolerating the associated anxiety. Reduce accommodation behaviours from others. Mindfulness to observe urges without acting on them. Avoid reassurance-seeking which functions as a compulsion.

What integrative approaches support compulsions?

OCD affects approximately 2% of the global population. ERP has the strongest evidence and is considered the gold-standard treatment. SSRIs (particularly higher doses) have evidence for pharmacological management. CBT combining ERP and cognitive approaches has the strongest combined evidence. Inference-based CBT is an emerging approach.

When should I seek professional support for compulsions?

Compulsions consuming more than one hour per day Significantly impairing work, relationships, or daily function Causing significant personal distress or shame When compulsions are escalating in frequency or intensity

behavioralAlternativeComplementaryHolistic

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to neutralise distress or prevent a feared outcome. A defining feature of OCD and related conditions, compulsions provide temporary relief but maintain and strengthen anxiety over time.

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 the defining behavioural feature of OCD. ERP has the strongest evidence and is the gold-standard treatment. SSRIs and CBT are effective adjuncts. Reassurance and accommodation maintain OCD and should be avoided.

Recognition

Do any of these feel familiar?

Feeling driven to perform specific rituals or actions to relieve anxiety

Repetitive checking, washing, arranging, or counting behaviours

Mental rituals such as repeating phrases or reviewing memories

Temporary reduction in anxiety following the compulsion

Increasing time spent on rituals, with growing interference in daily life

What is Compulsions?

Approaches Commonly Explored

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

Integrates across:ComplementaryMetaphysical

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.

Psychoanalytic Therapy

ComplementaryModerate

Reincarnation Therapy

MetaphysicalTraditional Use

Not sure what this means for you?

Ask Vidi to help you understand Compulsions and find what may be most relevant for your situation.

Ready to find support for Compulsions?

Connect with holistic and complementary practitioners who specialise in this area.

Find support tailored to your experience

Compulsions

Do any of these feel familiar?

Approaches Commonly Explored

Psychoanalytic Therapy

Reincarnation Therapy

Ready to find support for Compulsions?

What You Can Do Now

This symptom is often connected to

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Ask Vidi about Compulsions

About Compulsions

Integrative Approaches & Evidence

When to Seek Support

Frequently Asked Questions

References