sufferers of OCD feel the need to repeat a behaviour. a common example is hand washing. other common compulsive repetitions include counting, praying, tidying or collecting things.
compulsions reduce anxiety
around 10% of sufferers show compulsive behaviour alone. they have no obsessions just a general sense of irrational anxiety. the vast majority of compulsive behaviours are performed in an attempt to manage anxiety produced by obsessions. e.g. compulsive hand washing is carried out as a response to an obsessive fear of germs
avoidance
behaviour may also be characterised by their avoidance as they attempt to reduce anxiety by keeping away from situations that trigger it. e.g. sufferers who wash compulsively may avoid coming into contact with germs but this avoidance can lead to people avoiding situations such as emptying a bin and can interfere with leading a normal life
