Table of contents
In brief
Compulsive behaviours are uncontrollable actions repeated in response to anxiety or tension, often despite awareness of their irrationality.
They occur in the form of simple (e.g., skin picking, counting) and complex compulsions (e.g., repeated checking, rituals), which can significantly reduce quality of life.
They are strongly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but can also occur independently or accompany other disorders such as depression.
Less obvious compulsions include behaviours such as compulsive shopping or stealing (kleptomania), which serve an emotional regulation function.
Compulsive behaviours can accompany addiction treatment (e.g., alcoholism) as a substitute form of coping with tension.
In the long term, they lead to emotional and health disturbances; they require professional treatment, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Key importance lies in regular therapy, support from loved ones, support groups, and maintaining life balance without falling into new compulsions.
Compulsive Behaviour - What It Is
Compulsive behaviours are persistent, unwanted actions that the patient cannot control. They often occur in response to intrusive thoughts and aim to reduce anxiety or emotional tension. The person performing these actions is usually aware of their irrationality but cannot resist them.
Refraining from compulsive behaviours leads to the accumulation of emotional tension. Such behaviours can take the form of simple actions, such as skin picking, or complex rituals involving multiple stages. In any case, they have a destructive impact on the patient's quality of life.
Compulsive behaviours are often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but can also occur independently or within other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders.
Types of Compulsive Behaviours
Simple Compulsions
Simple compulsions are actions that seem insignificant but are performed persistently and repetitively. Examples may include counting floor tiles, skin picking, or handwashing. Such behaviour may seem harmless, but its excessive performance can lead to serious health and mental problems.
People with simple compulsions often feel compelled to perform these actions, even if they are aware of their irrationality. They try to cope with internal tension and anxiety this way. However, instead of bringing relief, these behaviours only intensify feelings of helplessness and frustration.
It's worth considering whether simple compulsions are a signal of more serious psychological problems. In case of their intensification, consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist may be necessary.
Complex Compulsions
Complex compulsions involve multi-stage rituals that may be associated with intrusive thoughts. An example might be repeatedly checking door locks, arranging objects in a specific order, or counting various things. Such behaviour is more time-consuming and can significantly affect a person's daily functioning.
People performing complex compulsions often experience intense anxiety when they are interrupted. These rituals become an integral part of their life, despite being aware of their irrationality. In extreme cases, complex compulsions can lead to social isolation and serious health problems.
It's necessary to pay attention to how complex compulsions affect the patient's quality of life. In such situations, specialist intervention and appropriate therapy are necessary.
OCD-Related Compulsions
Compulsive behaviours are a key element of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They are characterised by repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and uncontrolled actions (compulsions) aimed at alleviating the anxiety caused by obsessions. Examples may include repeatedly checking whether doors are locked, whether the stove is turned off, arranging objects in a specific order, or counting various things.
People with OCD often perform these actions ritually, and failure to comply leads to severe discomfort and anxiety. Compulsive behaviours can be very time-consuming and significantly impact daily life, preventing normal functioning.
OCD treatment typically includes cognitive-behavioural therapy, which aims to change the patient's thoughts and behaviours. In some cases, pharmacotherapy may also be necessary.
Less Obvious Compulsions
Compulsive Shopping
One of the less obvious compulsive behaviours is unnecessary shopping. People affected by this problem feel compelled to buy things they often don't need. These purchases are a way to temporarily alleviate anxiety or improve mood, but lead to financial and emotional problems.
Compulsive shopping can be difficult to recognise because society often accepts and even promotes excessive consumerism. However, when shopping becomes a way to cope with emotional discomfort, it may be a signal of deeper mental problems.
In the case of compulsive shopping, it's important to pay attention to whether it's linked to other compulsive behaviours or addictions. A therapist can help identify causes and develop strategies for dealing with this problem.
Compulsive Stealing
Another example of less obvious compulsions is stealing for pleasure, known as kleptomania. People with this problem feel compelled to steal items that often have no real value to them. The act of stealing brings them temporary relief, but later feelings of guilt and shame appear.
Kleptomania is difficult to treat because people affected by this disorder often hide their behaviour out of fear of legal consequences. Specialist help is necessary to understand and control this problem.
As with other compulsive behaviours, cognitive-behavioural therapy can be effective in treating kleptomania. Support from loved ones and creating a safe therapeutic environment are also important.
Connection with Addictions
Compulsive behaviours often accompany people with addictions. They can replace chemical addictions such as alcoholism during the treatment process. A person who stops drinking may begin to exhibit other compulsive behaviours as a coping mechanism for stress and tension.
For example, a patient being treated for alcohol addiction may start compulsively overeating or excessively using social media. These behaviours aim to alleviate emotional discomfort but lead to further emotional and health problems.
Alcoholism treatment should include not only alcohol abstinence but also therapy aimed at dealing with compulsive behaviours. Regular contact with a therapist and participation in support groups can help control these behaviours and prevent their escalation.
Consequences of Compulsive Behaviours
Compulsive behaviours bring temporary relief, but long-term effects are negative. They cause dependence on these actions, leading to dysregulation of the brain's reward system. Although the patient experiences a temporary dopamine rush, it leads to further emotional and physical problems.
Chronic performance of compulsive behaviours can lead to serious health problems such as eating disorders, depression, or neurosis. People affected by these problems often experience reduced quality of life and difficulties in daily functioning.
It's important to avoid routine and emotional problems through healthy coping mechanisms such as regular physical activity, healthy diet, and social support. Therapy can help understand the causes of compulsive behaviours and develop effective control strategies.
Observation and Control of Compulsive Behaviours
Careful monitoring of one's behaviours and psychological mechanisms is crucial to avoid falling into new compulsions. Awareness of one's reactions to stress and tension can help prevent the development of compulsive behaviours.
Therapeutic support is also important. Regular contact with a therapist and participation in support groups can help identify and control compulsive behaviours. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is particularly effective in treating these problems.
Activities that help recover from addiction should be conducted in moderation. It's important to avoid excessive engagement in new activities that may become new compulsions. Maintaining balance is key to mental and physical health.
Therapeutic Support
Regular contact with a therapist is necessary for effectively dealing with compulsive behaviours. A therapist can help understand the causes of these behaviours and develop control strategies. It's important to find a specialist with whom the patient feels comfortable and who can offer appropriate support.
Support groups also play an important role in the treatment process. Meetings with other people experiencing similar problems can help build a support network and motivation for change. Sharing experiences and coping strategies together is a valuable element of therapy.
Support from loved ones is also extremely important. Family and friends can help identify and control compulsive behaviours by offering emotional support and understanding. It's important to communicate openly and seek help when needed.
Maintaining Balance
Maintaining balance between different aspects of life is key in dealing with compulsive behaviours. Activities that help recover from addiction, such as regular physical activity, healthy diet, and social support, should be conducted in moderation.
It's important to avoid excessive engagement in new activities that may become new compulsions. For example, a person who stops drinking alcohol may start compulsively exercising. Although regular physical activity is beneficial, its excessive performance can lead to health problems.
Maintaining balance is key to mental and physical health. Regular monitoring of one's behaviours and psychological mechanisms can help prevent the development of new compulsive behaviours.
Bibliography
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- Zadka Ł, Ołajossy M. 2016. Kompulsywne kupowanie w zarysie. Psychiatria Polska 50(1): 153-164.
- Sipowicz J, Kujawski R. 2018. Kleptomania or common theft - diagnostic and judicial difficulties. Psychiatria Polska 52(1): 81-92.
- Krzyszkowiak W, Kuleta-Krzyszkowiak M, Krzanowska E. 2019. Leczenie zaburzeń obsesyjno-kompulsyjnych (OCD) i zaburzeń powiązanych (OCRD). Psychiatria Polska 53(4): 825-843.
- Dzierzyńska-Breś S. 2023. "Nowe uzależnienia" - wprowadzenie w tematykę uzależnień behawioralnych. Studia Paedagogica Ignatiana 26(2): 19-40.
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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Is a person with compulsions aware of their actions?
Yes, they are usually aware of the irrationality of these behaviours but cannot resist them.
What are the consequences of refraining from compulsions?
This leads to increasing emotional tension, which can intensify the need to perform the action.
What are the types of compulsive behaviours?
They are divided into simple (e.g., skin picking, tile counting) and complex (e.g., checking rituals, organising).
What are compulsions in the context of OCD?
These are behaviours aimed at reducing anxiety caused by obsessions, often in the form of rituals.
Can compulsive behaviours occur without OCD?
Yes, they can accompany other disorders such as depression or anxiety disorders, or occur independently.
What does compulsion treatment look like?
Most often through cognitive-behavioural therapy, sometimes with pharmacotherapy.
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