Compulsion

Compulsions are said to occur from repeated and longterm [repression]

of feelings considered in some way wrong. This act of repression reaches the stage that an [obsession]

with the idea of carrying out an unreasonable and senseless act can no longer be resisted, resulting in irresistible compulsion. Common compulsions such as frequent handwashing, masturbation, and the counting or touching of particular objects, are characteristic of these particular neuroses; the will has no power to prevent the individual carrying out such acts, any attempt to do so causing even more tension.