Compulsive behavior

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Compulsive behavior means doing the same action over and over because you feel you have to, even when you know it doesn’t help. It often starts to reduce worry or fear inside a person.

A major cause is obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Compulsions can also show up with addiction, but they aren’t the same thing. Addiction is a strong urge to seek a rewarding thing, while OCD compulsions are part of a mental health condition.

Common types of compulsions include:
- Washing and cleaning a lot, often to avoid contamination
- Checking things over and over (locks, switches, appliances) to feel safe
- Counting things or repeating numbers
- Repeating actions, phrases, or routines
- Hair pulling (trichotillomania) or skin picking
- Hoarding and saving many possessions
- Compulsive eating or binge eating to cope with stress
- Compulsive gambling
- Compulsive talking or talking too much
- Compulsive use of social media

Some compulsions relate to sexual thoughts or behaviors. This is sometimes called compulsive sexual behavior or hypersexuality, but scientists disagree on whether it is a separate disorder.

Important notes:
- About 50 million people worldwide have OCD.
- People with compulsions may hide them, making the problem seem less common.
- Compulsive behaviors can hurt relationships, work, and health if not treated.

Getting help:
- If compulsive behaviors cause problems in life, talk with a mental health professional.
- Treatments include therapy (like cognitive-behavioral therapy), support groups, and sometimes medication.
- Early help can make a big difference.