In OCD, what are considered compulsion behaviors?

In the context of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), compulsive behaviors are actions that individuals feel compelled to perform in response to their obsessive thoughts, aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event from happening.

Repetitive counting of items qualifies as a compulsive behavior because it often serves as a way for a person with OCD to manage their anxiety or engage with their obsessive thoughts about order or control. Similarly, checking to ensure doors are locked is a classic compulsion related to the fear of harm or intrusions; individuals may check multiple times to alleviate their anxiety about a potential threat.

Both types of behaviors are characteristic of OCD, as they exemplify the ritualistic nature of compulsions, which individuals may feel powerless to stop despite recognizing that these behaviors are irrational. Therefore, when both examples are combined, they accurately represent the compulsive behaviors typically seen in OCD.