Kompulsjami

Kompulsjami (compulsions) are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules, with the aim of reducing distress or preventing a feared outcome.

In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), compulsions are a core feature that co-occur with obsessions. They are time-consuming and distressing, often interfering with daily life. Compulsions can be overt actions or covert mental rituals.

Common examples include excessive hand washing, checking, ordering, counting, or repeating actions until they feel right. Mental compulsions may involve silently repeating phrases, mentally reviewing events, or neutralizing thoughts.

Kompulsjami are distinguished from ordinary routines by their intrusive nature and a sense of being driven to perform them. People often recognize the acts as unreasonable but feel unable to stop them, at least in the moment.

Causes are not fully understood but likely involve a combination of genetic predisposition, neurobiological factors in fronto-striatal circuits, and serotonin function. Environmental stress, trauma, and life events can exacerbate symptoms.

Diagnosis is clinical. Criteria for OCD include the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions, with compulsions being time-consuming (often more than an hour per day) or causing significant distress or impairment, not attributable to substances or another medical condition.

Treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP), which is highly effective, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some patients require combination therapy or, in severe cases, neuromodulation or other interventions.

With appropriate treatment, many individuals experience substantial symptom reduction, though some have persistent or recurring symptoms. Early intervention generally improves outcomes.