Compulsive behavior is a behavior conducted repeatedly by an individual due to a strong impulse that may be against the person's conscious desire or best interest. Compulsive behaviors are often considered to be unhealthy due to their frequency and affect on quality of life. Compulsive behavior is a big component of several mental health disorders.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also called OCD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive, intrusive, repetitive thoughts that are briefly relieved by compulsive behaviors, explains the text "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing." The symptoms are very time-consuming or distressing to the individual. Typical behaviors include repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked, washing hands until they are raw or counting to make sure the number of potato chips eaten is an even number. Antidepressants and low doses of atypical anti-psychotic medications are used to treat OCD. Cognitive behavior therapy, including exposure and response prevention therapy, are also often employed. According to MedlinePlus, a website maintained by the National Institutes of Health, OCD is considered a chronic disorder, but treatment can alleviate symptoms, thus improving the quality of life for the individual.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, or OCPD, is a chronic personality disorder that often affects relationships with others. The typical sufferer has a perfectionistic nature, compulsively working harder than required to achieve the perfection that he perceives in his own mind. An OCPD sufferer may clean his car for hours every weekend, scrubbing the wheels with a toothbrush; cut the lawn as soon as it grows the least bit; or berate the gardener for missing a weed. Therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy designed to allow insight into behavior to treat cases of OCPD, explains the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. Antidepressant medication and relaxation techniques are occasionally used as well.
Addiction
Addiction to drugs, smoking, alcohol, gambling or pornography causes compulsive behaviors. Substance addiction is sometimes referred to as dependence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes drug addiction as a brain disease in which the individual compulsively obtains and uses drugs in spite of negative consequences. An addict compulsively takes drugs, smokes cigarettes, drinks alcohol, gambles or views pornography despite negative consequences to his health, career and personal relationships. He may continue these behaviors even when the legal system intervenes by arresting him for drunk driving or possession of illegal drugs. Treatment for addiction includes counseling, group therapy, support groups and a variety of medications, explains "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing." Inpatient treatment may be required. A supportive environment is important to the long-term success of treatment.
References
- “Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Concepts of Care in Evidence-Based Practice”; Mary C. Townsend, M.N., A.P.R.N.; 2006
- National Institute of Mental Health: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drug Abuse and Addiction
- MedlinePlus: Obsessive-Complusive Disorder
