A common belief is that compulsive behaviors trap people in a “habit loop” that takes over self-control. New research, however, suggests this explanation may be incomplete. For many years, compulsive ...

Compulsive overeating and binge eating disorder both involve eating in excess. Doctors classify them differently based on the frequency and severity of symptoms. Binge eating may qualify as a mental ...

Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD) is increasingly recognised as a behavioural addiction characterized by persistent and excessive purchasing behaviours that result in significant distress, impaired ...

Compulsive reassurance-seeking is a safety behavior designed to reduce distress. This coping strategy has a variety of emotional motives. It may be used to gain a sense of control over doubts, a sense ...

Sometimes compulsive giving is a strategy for belonging. Here’s why some friends always pay and how relationships change when ...

Is compulsive behavior common in people with Alzheimer’s or dementia? When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, many aspects of his or her life are forced to change and will ...

Scientists have discovered an imbalance between neurochemicals in parts of OCD patients' brains key to decision-making and habit. A similar but less pronounced neurochemical imbalance was also ...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occurs when obsessions (persistent, unwanted thoughts) trigger anxiety, causing you to repeatedly engage in compulsions (specific behaviors) to find relief. These ...