Repetitive behavior is the repeated performance of actions, sounds, or speech patterns and can range from harmless habits like tapping one's foot to more compulsive or ritualistic actions. These behaviors can be caused by anxiety, stress, or a need for control, and are often associated with conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). While some repetitions are not a concern, treatment may be necessary if they interfere with daily life or cause distress.
Common examples
Motor movements: Hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or nail-biting
Speech: Repeating words or phrases (echolalia), or scripting
Rituals: Strict routines, compulsions, or a strong insistence on sameness
Mental actions: Repeating words or phrases in one's head
Constant repetitive posting on political discussion boards
Potential causes and triggers
Emotional regulation: Can serve as a way to cope with or avoid negative emotions like anxiety, boredom, or stress
Distraction: Can help a person focus or distract themselves during stressful situations
Brain structure and genetics: Some conditions linked to repetitive behavior may have a basis in brain structure and genetics
Conditions: Often seen in individuals with autism, ADHD, OCD, or BFRBs, such as trichotillomania (hair-pulling) or dermatothlasia (skin-eating)
When to seek help
If the behavior causes physical harm or distress
If it takes up a significant amount of time and interferes with daily activities
Treatment and management
Awareness: Becoming more aware of the behavior and its triggers
Substitution: Replacing the repetitive behavior with a different, less harmful activity
Therapy: Cognitive and behavioral therapies can help identify and manage triggers and compulsive thoughts