Compulsive Behaviours Counselling in London | Treatment & Therapy

Compulsive behaviours are defined as the repetitive physical behaviours and actions that performed following intrusive and obsessive thinking. The compulsive behaviours are commonly performed in an attempt to relieve anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts. Relief is often temporary and becomes gradually worse with time.

It is estimated that approximately 2.2 Americans suffer from an obsessive and compulsive disorder- this is equal between males and females. It is estimated that approximately 741,504 people in the UK who are living with obsessive compulsive behaviours at a given time.

Types of Compulsive Behaviours

Compulsive behaviours can present in various ways.

Checking

One way is checking, or confirming something. For example, you can check if doors or windows are locked, alarms are on, water, lights, or that knobs on the stove are secured in the off position. Checking will occur multiple times and can last for hours, which can interfere with activities of daily living, causing an individual to be late for work or other appointments. It can severely impact a person’s ability to fulfill daily tasks and potentially damage items that are being checked.

Checking is usually accompanied by a contamination compulsion, or the need to wash or clean. This compulsion derives from the obsession of contracting bacteria or illness for the individual or a loved one. It may present as avoidant behaviour in regard to touching objects in public spaces, such as poles, door knobs/handles, shaking hands, or using public restrooms for fear of contracting germs. This will also be carried out several times until the individual determines it is clean. It differentiates from OCD because the individual must “feel” that it is clean as opposed to “seeing” that it’s clean.

Hoarding

Hoarding is defined as excessive acquisition and an inability or unwillingness to discard large quantities of objects that cover the living areas of the home and cause significant distress or impairment.

Sexually Compulsive Behaviours

Sexually compulsive behaviours are followed by obsessive thoughts, regarding sexuality and sexual interest. Compulsive behaviour will include avoiding places that would make them vulnerable to sexual obsessions, or avoid individuals that trigger sexual obsessions.

Compulsive Gambling

A compulsive gambler is defined as someone who is unable to abstain from gambling. This compulsive behaviour can have severe financial and social consequences and the compulsion can only be relieved by more gambling. This compulsive behaviour is difficult to identify.

Compulsive Shopping

Compulsive shopping, also coined as retail therapy, overspending and shopaholism, is the compulsive and uncontrollable consumption and purchase of material items. Shopaholism is the unregulated purchasing of products that an individual may never wear or use. This compulsive behaviour can have serious financial consequences.

Binge-Eating

Compulsive behaviour with eating, also known as binge-eating, is the behaviour of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time and to the point of discomfort. Usually, this is followed by a sense of guilt and shame.

Compulsive Talking

Compulsive talking, also termed as “oversharing”, is the behaviour of dominating conversation and prioritising yourself and your experiences in conversation with peers. Motivation for this compulsive behaviour can vary but typically this compulsion is used to mask or avoid sharing feelings and to create and enforce unhealthy boundaries with others - pushing them away through talking.

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