Some Compulsions Are More Difficult to Recognize than Others

Compulsions are associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where the compulsion is preceded by what is typically a recurring disturbing thought, and the compulsion serves as a strategy to remove the discomfort activated by the thought.Most people are aware of their disturbing thoughts because of the discomfort they cause. Awareness around when and how the discomfort is being removed can be less obvious. Some compulsions can become so normalized and invisible that they become a normal part of everyday life.