Compulsifs

Compulsifs refers to individuals who experience compulsions—repetitive, ritualized behaviors or mental acts performed to relieve anxiety. In clinical contexts, compulsions are a core feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and may occur in other conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, tic disorders, or anxiety disorders.

Compulsions are typically aimed at reducing distress or preventing feared events, but they are not connected in a realistic way to the threat. They are time-consuming (often more than an hour per day) and cause marked impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Common examples include excessive washing or cleaning, repeated checking, ordering or arranging objects, counting, and mental acts like repeating phrases.

Compulsions must be distinguished from impulsive acts, which are driven by a desire for reward and are not intended to reduce distress. The development of compulsions is thought to involve dysregulation in cortico-striatal brain circuits and serotonin signaling, with genetic and environmental factors contributing to risk.

Diagnosis is made when obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) and/or compulsions cause significant distress or impairment, and are not attributable to another medical condition or substance. OCD and related disorders are typically diagnosed by clinical interview and validated scales; imaging and lab tests are not routine.

Treatment often combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, especially exposure and response prevention, with pharmacotherapy using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Some patients may benefit from other medications or neuromodulation approaches. With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience a reduction in symptom severity and improved functioning, though chronic courses are common.