Komplusion

Komplusion is a neologism used in some psychology and design discourses to describe a persistent urge to introduce unnecessary complexity into tasks or decisions. It is not a formally recognized diagnosis in major medical classifications such as the DSM-5 or ICD-10, and its usage varies across sources. In practice, komplusion tends to manifest as overthinking, excessive refining, and a preference for elaborate procedures over straightforward solutions.

Etymology and usage vary, with most authors noting that the term blends compulsion with complication. Because it is not standardized, definitions differ between writers and communities, and it may be used in both clinical and nonclinical contexts to describe related but distinct phenomena.

Key characteristics commonly associated with komplusion include repetitive adding of steps, delaying task finalization, heightened sensitivity to potential constraints, and a preference for novelty over practicality. It often overlaps with concepts such as analysis paralysis or overengineering, yet it is not defined as a distinct clinical syndrome in established manuals.

Context and impact vary by field. In work or creative projects, komplusion can slow progress while sometimes encouraging thoroughness. In software or product design, it can lead to overengineered solutions. It is important to distinguish it from clinical compulsions by noting that komplusion centers on process structure and decision-bottlenecks rather than ritualized behaviors or intrusive thoughts.

Management and assessment approaches emphasize practical strategies: time-boxing, setting minimum viable product criteria, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to reduce rumination. If kompusion-related distress is significant, seeking guidance from mental health professionals is advisable, though formal evidence and guidelines remain limited due to the term’s informal status.