Which of the following best describes compulsions?

Compulsions are best described as physical or mental behaviors performed in response to obsessions, which are intrusive thoughts that create anxiety or distress. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often feel compelled to engage in these behaviors as a way to reduce the anxiety elicited by their obsessions. For example, someone might feel an overwhelming need to wash their hands repeatedly after having intrusive thoughts about germs, believing that this action will prevent harm.

This response highlights the relationship between compulsions and the desire to alleviate the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. The actions taken, whether physical (like repeatedly checking doors) or mental (like counting), are specifically aimed at preventing a feared outcome or reducing discomfort associated with the obsessions. Understanding this connection is crucial in the context of psychological disorders, particularly OCD, where compulsions serve a clear function of managing anxiety that arises from obsessive thoughts.