Which defines compulsions in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

In the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), compulsions are defined as the behavioral responses that individuals engage in to manage or mitigate the anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts, which are the obsessions. When someone experiences OCD, they often have persistent, unwanted thoughts that provoke significant anxiety. To alleviate this distress, they perform specific behaviors or mental acts, known as compulsions. These actions are typically repetitive and are aimed at preventing a feared event or reducing discomfort, even if they are not connected to the actual outcome in a realistic way.

For example, a person might wash their hands repeatedly (a compulsion) in response to the obsession of being contaminated by germs. The compulsion serves to provide temporary relief from anxiety but doesn't address the underlying obsessive thoughts effectively.