Obsession vs. Compulsion — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 16, 2024
Obsession refers to persistent, intrusive thoughts or urges, whereas compulsion involves repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions.
Difference Between Obsession and Compulsion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Obsession is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts or urges that cause distress or anxiety. These thoughts are often irrational and can dominate a person's mind, making it difficult to focus on other tasks. Compulsion, on the other hand, involves repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to an obsession. These actions are intended to reduce the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessive thoughts.
While obsession is primarily mental, involving intrusive and unwanted thoughts, compulsion is behavioral, involving actions taken to manage or mitigate the distress caused by these thoughts. The two often occur together, particularly in the context of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where the compulsive behavior is directly related to the obsessive thought.
Obsessions can vary widely in content, including fears of contamination, need for symmetry, or aggressive thoughts. Compulsions are similarly varied and can include actions like checking, counting, or repeating words silently. These behaviors are often performed according to rigid rules or patterns.
Both obsession and compulsion are maladaptive responses that can significantly interfere with daily functioning. Obsessions lead to heightened anxiety, while compulsions, despite providing temporary relief, often reinforce the obsessive thoughts, creating a vicious cycle. Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment in psychological contexts.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Persistent, intrusive thoughts or urges
Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety
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Nature
Mental
Behavioral
Cause
Often irrational thoughts
Response to obsessive thoughts
Example
Worrying about germs
Repeatedly washing hands
Relationship
Leads to anxiety
Aimed at reducing anxiety
Compare with Definitions
Obsession
Dominating thoughts that interfere with daily activities.
The obsession with safety led him to constantly check locks.
Compulsion
Repetitive behaviors to reduce distress.
He had a compulsion to wash his hands every ten minutes.
Obsession
Thoughts that trigger anxiety.
His obsession with making mistakes made him overly cautious.
Compulsion
Mental acts repeated in response to anxiety.
His compulsion included repeating certain phrases silently.
Obsession
A compulsive, often unreasonable idea or emotion.
Compulsion
Behaviors intended to prevent perceived harm.
The compulsion to arrange objects symmetrically soothed her anxiety.
Obsession
(Psychiatry) A pattern of unwanted or intrusive thoughts or urges that recur persistently, often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety.
Compulsion
Actions performed to alleviate anxiety from obsessions.
Her compulsion involved checking the stove multiple times.
Obsession
The quality of being obsessed.
Compulsion
The action or state of forcing or being forced to do something; constraint
The payment was made under compulsion
Obsession
An idea that engenders a compulsive or irrational preoccupation, or the preoccupation thereby engendered.
Compulsion
An irresistible urge to behave in a certain way
He felt a compulsion to babble on about what had happened
Obsession
An activity or entity that inspires a compulsive and potentially unhealthy fixation, or the fixation thereby inspired.
Editing Wikipedia started as a hobby, but it's turned into a complete obsession of mine.
Compulsion
The act of compelling.
Obsession
Influence or control by evil spirits without possession.
Compulsion
The state of being compelled.
Obsession
The act of besieging.
Compulsion
An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation
"He felt an animal compulsion to flee the hotel and the city" (Paul Theroux).
Obsession
The state of being besieged; - used specifically of a person beset by a spirit from without.
Whether by obsession or possession, I will not determine.
Compulsion
(Psychiatry) An act or ritual that a person feels compelled to perform repeatedly, often to reduce the distress caused by an obsession.
Obsession
An excessive preoccupation of the thoughts or feelings; the persistent haunting or domination of the mind by a particular desire, idea, or image.
Compulsion
An irrational need or irresistible urge to perform some action, often despite negative consequences.
During the basketball game, I had a sudden compulsion to have a smoke.
Obsession
Any driving motive; a compelling goal; - not necessarily implying a negative judgment, as does sense 3; as, the coach was obsessed with winning the state championship
Compulsion
The use of authority, influence, or other power to force (compel) a person or persons to act.
Obsession
Something that causes an obsession{3}.
Compulsion
The lawful use of violence (i.e. by the administration).
Obsession
The state of being obsessed.
Compulsion
The act of compelling, or the state of being compelled; the act of driving or urging by force or by physical or moral constraint; subjection to force.
If reasons were as plentiful as blackberries, I would give no man a reason upon compulsion.
With what compulsion and laborious flightWe sunk thus low.
Obsession
An irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions against your will
Compulsion
An urge to do or say something that might be better left undone or unsaid
Obsession
An unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
Compulsion
An irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions against your will
Obsession
Persistent, unwanted thoughts causing distress.
She had an obsession with keeping everything perfectly clean.
Compulsion
Using force to cause something;
Though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game
They didn`t have to use coercion
Obsession
Intrusive and irrational urges.
His obsession with symmetry made him arrange items repeatedly.
Compulsion
Ritualistic behaviors driven by obsessive thoughts.
The compulsion to count steps distracted him constantly.
Obsession
Recurring distressing ideas.
An obsession with contamination caused her to avoid public places.
Common Curiosities
How are obsessions and compulsions related?
Obsessions cause anxiety or distress, while compulsions are actions taken to alleviate that anxiety.
What is a compulsion?
A compulsion is a repetitive behavior or mental act performed to reduce the anxiety associated with an obsession.
What is an obsession?
An obsession is a persistent, intrusive thought or urge that causes significant anxiety or distress.
What are common examples of obsessions?
Common obsessions include fears of contamination, needing things orderly, and intrusive aggressive thoughts.
Can you have a compulsion without an obsession?
While less common, some compulsions may occur without clearly identifiable obsessive thoughts.
Can you have an obsession without a compulsion?
Yes, it is possible to have obsessive thoughts without accompanying compulsive behaviors.
Are obsessions always irrational?
Obsessions are often irrational and not based on reality, but they feel very real and distressing to the person experiencing them.
Are there any risks if obsessions and compulsions are left untreated?
Yes, untreated obsessions and compulsions can worsen and significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life.
Do compulsions provide long-term relief?
Compulsions provide only temporary relief and can reinforce the obsessive thoughts, creating a cycle.
Can children have obsessions and compulsions?
Yes, children can experience obsessions and compulsions, and early intervention can be beneficial.
Can obsessions and compulsions be treated?
Yes, treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication can be effective in managing OCD.
Can lifestyle changes help with obsessions and compulsions?
Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and healthy routines, can complement professional treatment but are not a substitute for it.
How does OCD relate to obsessions and compulsions?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of both obsessions and compulsions that interfere with daily life.
Are obsessions and compulsions seen only in OCD?
While they are hallmark features of OCD, obsessions and compulsions can also occur in other anxiety disorders.
What are common examples of compulsions?
Common compulsions include hand washing, checking locks, and counting objects.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
