05/29/2026
What are compulsions?
From the IOCDF: “Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or thoughts that a person uses to neutralize or counteract the obsession — essentially to try and make their obsessions go away. People with OCD realize this is only a temporary solution, but without a better way to cope, they rely on compulsions nonetheless. Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessions. They are time-consuming and get in the way of important activities the person values.
In most cases, individuals with OCD feel driven to engage in compulsive behavior and would rather not have to do these time-consuming and often torturous acts.
Rather than being a source of pleasure, people with OCD perform compulsions because they believe they are necessary to prevent negative consequences and/or to escape or reduce anxiety or the presence of obsessions.”
International OCD Foundation