What effect do compulsions typically have on anxiety levels?

Compulsions are ritualistic behaviors or mental acts that individuals feel driven to perform in response to obsessive thoughts or according to rigid rules. The primary function of these compulsions is to reduce the anxiety that arises from these obsessions. When a compulsion is performed, it typically provides a sense of temporary relief from the distressing thoughts or feelings associated with anxiety. This relief reinforces the behavior, leading individuals to repeat the compulsive actions to manage their anxiety in the future.

Although the relief is often short-lived, it can be significant enough to create a cycle where the individual becomes reliant on the compulsion to cope with anxiety. Over time, this can result in an increase in the overall frequency and intensity of the compulsions, as the underlying anxiety may not be fully addressed. Thus, the correct choice reflects the reality that compulsions often offer temporary relief from anxiety but do not eliminate it entirely.