Compulsión

Compulsión refers to an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, often in response to an obsessive thought. This behavior is typically performed repeatedly and according to certain rules or in a stereotyped fashion. The individual often feels driven to perform the compulsive act to prevent a feared event or situation from occurring, or to relieve a distressing feeling. However, the relief is usually temporary, and the cycle of obsession and compulsion continues.

Compulsions are not performed for pleasure, but rather as a response to anxiety or distress. They are often excessive and do not have a realistic connection to the event or situation they are designed to prevent or neutralize. For example, someone might repeatedly check if the door is locked, wash their hands excessively, or arrange objects in a precise order.

Compulsions are a core feature of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a mental health condition characterized by a pattern of unwanted obsessions and compulsions. While the term can be used more broadly to describe intense desires, in a clinical context, it is most strongly associated with OCD. Understanding compulsions is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions like OCD, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Treatment often involves therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP), and sometimes medication.