compulsion

Etiology

• often occur in association with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Clinical manifestations

recurrent behaviors beyond the normal range that the individual feels compelled to undertake:

• rationale
  • to preserve personal safety
  • to avoid embarrassment
  • to perform adequately
  • to diminish anxiety or stress associated with obsessions
• behaviors
  • checking multiple times to see that the gas is turned off before leaving home
  • repeated hand washing
  • mentally repeating words or counting

More general terms

• sign/symptom

More specific terms

• punding

Additional terms

• impulsiveness
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)