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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Giulia Poerio does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond ...

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 ...

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 ...