Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders are characterized by obsessions (recurrent and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses) and/or compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts). Hypochondriasis is characterized by repetitive concerns regarding one's health and repetitive checks and investigations. Behavioral addictions are characterized by excessive repetitive actions. This chapter aims to explore the symptoms of obsessivecompulsive and related disorders, hypochondriasis, and behavioral addictions from an evolutionary perspective. The repetition associated with many of these disorders has been linked to protection from harm and reward in a way that supported ancestral survival. An evolutionary perspective may assist people suffering from these disorders in forming an alternative conceptualization for the origin of their symptoms and has potential to enhance outcomes from psychological therapies. Such conceptualizations may be of particular benefit for those sufferers who wish to gain understanding and who may be embarrassed by the seemingly senseless nature of their symptoms.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Oxford Handbook of Evolution and the Emotions |
| Editors | Laith Al-Shawaf, Todd K. Shackelford |
| Place of Publication | U.S. |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| Chapter | 67 |
| Pages | 1317-1325 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780197544785 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780197544754 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Keywords
- Behavioral addiction
- Evolution
- Hypochondriasis
- Obsession
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder