Anxiety works as an alarm system to warn people of dangers so that they can protect themselves from danger. However, when OCD takes control, every little event can set the alarm that they are in danger. Compulsive behaviors are the attempts to keep themselves safe when that alarm goes off, but he behaviors fuel the brain’s idea that they must be in danger, thus feeds the part of the brain that gives out these many unwarranted alarm signals. When you don’t do the compulsive behaviors, over time you will actually feel a drop in your anxiety level. This natural drop in anxiety that happens when you stay “exposed” and “prevent” the compulsive “response” is called habituation.