Compulsions are a difficult consequence for many people in mental health. A compulsion will typically follow after an obsession – with these two areas closely related.
Compulsions are commonly seen across conditions on the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum. There are several conditions on this spectrum.
In this article, we take a look at compulsions in further detail, including what they are and the impact they have.
Definition
A compulsion can be defined as:
A compulsion is a repetitive action that the person carries out following an obsession to temporarily relieve the anxiety brought on by the obsession. Examples include rituals, constantly checking and reassurance.
As discussed above, compulsions usually follow obsessions. Looking at an overall picture – an obsession is a thought, and compulsions are the subsequent behaviours or actions. Therefore, this is why these two areas are closely linked.
The impact of obsessions
When a person has an obsession, they want to get the gratification of completing an act that will meet that obsession – which will be a compulsion.
But someone with an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder will want to fight the obsession and its thoughts. However, as many know – this isn’t an easy thing to do.
But the strong need to complete the compulsion will often override the resistance. The compulsion will normally lead to feelings of anxiety being relieved.
However, this normally only provides a short-term release from the symptoms. Before long, obsessions start again – resulting in a damaging cycle developing.
In the short-term though, they do provide relief. This will often be done with the intention of stopping perceived harm, or fear.
Sometimes, compulsions will be carried out as a person believes they need to do so to protect others. This can place more pressure on the person with these intense feelings.
What are some common compulsions?
As discussed, compulsions will normally follow an obsession. We have listed a few obsessions below, and the subsequent compulsion:
- Contamination or harm from germs
- Compulsion: Excessive cleaning or hand-washing
- Discomfort at lack of symmetry or organisation
- Compulsion: Spending time arranging desk or bedroom until it looks “right”
- Constant worries
- Compulsion: Re-checking things on an irrational level, such as checking the door is locked, checking the oven has switched off
- Needing constant reassurance from others
- Compulsion: Asking others repetitive questions about minor things
- Excessive attention on parts of the vody
- Compulsion: Often looking at yourself in the mirror, especially at a particular body part.
- Wishing to hoard, pull out hair, or pick at the skin
- Compulsion: Engaging in such acts. Typically seen in Hoard Disorder, Trichotillomania, and Excoriation Disorder respectively.
- Worrying about being aggressive or violence
- Compulsion: Locking away anything that could be used as a weapon – even everyday items like knives – in case they are used to attack someone.
These are just a few possible compulsions, and does not represent an exhaustive list. There are a range of potential compulsions.
Seeking help
As discussed earlier, a difficult cycle develops with compulsions. It typically isn’t long before a person starts to get obsessions again.
Treatment is available. The main treatment for any condition on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum is talking therapy. There are a range of different types of talking therapy.
Talking therapy offers a situation where a patient can work with a therapist on a one-to-one basis. They can look into causes and come up with better ways of managing symptoms.
In select cases, medication is prescribed. This is normally only when a person has another condition like Depression or Anxiety alongside obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder.
Summary
Compulsions certainly have a significant impact on the day-to-day functioning of a person. The impact on mental health is substantial.
This is why seeking treatment for compulsions is important. It is advisable to seek treatment for obsessions as soon as possible. The sooner that treatment begins, the sooner that recovery is possible.
See Also
- Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Homepage
- Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum: Everything You Need To Know
- 10 Tips Living for With Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders
- What Are Obsessions in Mental Health?
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