What is the difference between an impulsive and a compulsive act?
Impulsive reactions to internal or external stimuli are purposeful but happen quickly without foresight of consequences and may relieve a tense feeling but often result in feelings of guilt and remorse.
Compulsions are typically rule-bound, repetitive, stereotyped behaviors engaged in as a response to unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions), which then relieve the guilt or anxiety associated with the obsession.
