Components of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, as its name implies, has two main components—obsession and compulsion.
The obsession is usually a fear or desire, such as the fear of contamination or the desire to be perfect.
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The compulsion is the repetitive behaviour that is a result of the obsession.
For example, someone with the fear that a loved one will die may feel a compulsion to always count everything to a certain number.
They irresistibly feel as though their loved one will somehow die if they do not count to this number.
Obsessions and compulsions can sometimes be relieved with rituals, which may help to temporarily relieve the stress.