Compulsion

Compulsion is a psychological term that refers to a strong, usually irresistible impulse to perform an act, often against one's conscious wishes. In a broad sense, compulsion is an order or command that must be obeyed; but in psychology, compulsion is like a strong urge that one cannot resist. It is a symptom of various mental and personality disorders, including OCD, Tourette's Syndrome, and Eating Disorders.

Definition

Compulsion is defined as a strong, irresistible urge to perform an act or ritual repeatedly. It is often against the person's conscious wishes and may cause significant distress. Compulsions are typically associated with an attempt to reduce anxiety or distress or prevent some dreaded event or situation.

Types of Compulsions

Compulsions can be categorized into two types: overt and covert. Overt compulsions are observable by others, such as hand washing or checking. Covert compulsions are mental acts that are not observable, such as counting or repeating words silently.

Associated Disorders

Compulsions are a key symptom in several mental and personality disorders, including:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
• Tourette's Syndrome: A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
• Eating Disorders: Disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, where compulsions may involve food, eating, or body image.

Treatment

Treatment for compulsions often involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a common form of treatment that helps individuals learn to identify and change destructive thought patterns that lead to troubling behaviors. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be used to help reduce the symptoms of compulsions.

See Also

• Obsession
• Anxiety Disorders
• Mental Health

Compulsion Resources
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