Recurring thoughts that impose themselves, or actions that you must perform repeatedly to relieve inner tension, can be very distressing and consume a great deal of time. Such compulsions are more common than many people think, and no one should feel ashamed. It's important to know: obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are highly treatable. The sooner you seek support, the easier it is to break the distressing cycle.
Possible causes
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Intrusive thoughts trigger tension that briefly subsides through certain actions – a cycle that can become entrenched over time.
Persistent stress
Periods of strain and inner tension can trigger compulsions for the first time or intensify existing ones.
Anxious disposition
Compulsions often occur together with pronounced anxiety, as both relate to a strong need for control and safety.
Predisposition and learned experiences
A certain susceptibility and learned patterns can interact, leading to the development of compulsive behavior.
Typical steps at the doctor's office
- 1In an understanding conversation, you will describe which thoughts or actions impose themselves and how strongly they affect your daily life.
- 2Other causes of tension and anxiety are considered and, where appropriate, narrowed down with simple examinations.
- 3Together, suitable support will be discussed, usually specialized psychotherapy in which you learn to gradually resist giving in to the compulsion.
What you can do yourself
- Remind yourself that intrusive thoughts say nothing about your character; they are a symptom, not the truth.
- Maintain a regular daily routine with fixed activities that provide stability and structure.
- Use relaxation and breathing exercises to reduce the inner tension that often drives compulsions.
- Talk to a trusted person about it rather than hiding the compulsions out of shame.
Please get in touch if obsessive thoughts or compulsive actions recur, take up a lot of time, or restrict your everyday life. Even if the topic feels uncomfortable to you, you are welcome to speak about it openly – it will be treated with respect and without judgement. Your family doctor as well as specialists in psychiatry and psychotherapy are the right contacts for this. If you have thoughts of taking your own life, seek help immediately: Die Dargebotene Hand can be reached around the clock at 143, and in case of acute danger, call 144.
Frequently asked questions
- Am I 'crazy' if I have such thoughts?
- No. Intrusive, often frightening thoughts are familiar to many people, and they say nothing about your character. It only becomes distressing when you increasingly have to give in to them; that's precisely when therapy can help effectively.
- Do compulsions go away on their own?
- Sometimes compulsions fluctuate, but they usually don't disappear permanently on their own and can intensify without support. With appropriate psychotherapy, they can typically be significantly improved.
- How does treatment for compulsions work?
- The focus is usually on specialized psychotherapy in which you gently practice tolerating the distressing tension without performing the compulsive action. In this way, the compulsion gradually loses its power.
Not sure whether you should go or whom to see? Describe your symptoms — we'll find the right practice in your area.