Compulsions are the behaviors or rituals that are used to ward off the anxiety brought about by the obsession. Obsessive-compulsive individuals may engage in many hours of checking, cleaning, and ordering. These behaviors are out of a person's control and can severely disrupt everyday life. Symptoms include recurring thoughts and images relating to the event, nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, depressive feelings and loss of pleasure. PTSD may continue for years after the traumatic event if left untreated.
Substance abuse is the use of sutbstances leading to significant psychological impairment.
If abuse is present, then the substance becomes increasingly more focal than ordinary social, occupational, or recreational activities. A person who is clinically defined as a substance abuser will usually continue to use intoxicants despite their harmful physical and psychological effects. Eating disorders may take several forms. Purging is self-induced vomiting, the misuse of diuretics, laxatives or enemas. Anorexia and Bulimia can occure in tandem.