In obsessive-compulsive disorder, compulsions relieve or offset troubling obsessions. Thus, compulsions are therefore maintained through:

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Compulsions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are maintained through negative reinforcement because the individual engages in compulsive behaviors to reduce or avoid the distress or anxiety caused by obsessions. This removal of an unpleasant stimulus (anxiety or distress) strengthens the behavior, making it more likely to occur in the future.

In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Compulsions Relieve or Offset Troubling Obsessions