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 ...

When I was 10 years old, my grandmother handed me a stack of letters that she was about to throw away and commented: "Richard, some folks collect these old stamps." I noticed the stamps looked nothing ...

Mental health professionals say obsessive-compulsive disorder affects millions and can involve intrusive thoughts, anxiety, ...

Symptoms of Pure O. Obsessive-compulsive disorder itself involves having reoccurring obsessions and behaviors (compulsions).

Eating disorders and OCD can look strikingly similar on the surface. Understanding what drives the behavior is essential for ...

Karli Bossman's behavior changed instantly from happy to afraid of socks. Oct. 5, 2011— -- Karli Bossman was a happy 5-year-old from Clayton, N.C., who loved going to kindergarten -- until one ...

My daughter has compulsive tendencies but also oppositional behavior, meaning we fight efforts to help her. What strategies might we use to help her stop despite her fighting us? —A concerned parent ...

The key difference between being “in love” and being “obsessed” lies in the ability to maintain balance. If someone begins to neglect their responsibilities, health, or safety, it may indicate an ...

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have identified a brain circuit that can drive repetitive and compulsive behaviors in mice, even when natural rewards such as food or social contact are ...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that involves repetitive thoughts and behaviors. If you have OCD, you might also experience tics or disruptive involuntary sounds or ...