Feb 17, 2026
3 min read
For years, compulsive behaviors were thought of as bad habits stuck on autopilot.But new research in mice showed the opposite: inflammation in a key decision-making region of the brain actually made behavior more deliberate and less automatic.The change was linked to astrocytes, the brain's support cells, causing surrounding circuits to multiply and become disrupted.The findings suggest that some compulsive behaviors may be caused by excessive, faulty control rather than loss.
Brain inflammation can cause compulsive behavior
Compulsive behavior may be less about "bad habits" and more about an overworked inflamed brain.
- February 16, 2026
- Sydney University of Technology
- Over the years, forced behavior has been seen as a bad behavior that sticks in automated testing.But a new study in mice found the opposite: inflammation in the central decision-making area of the brain actually made the behavior more deliberate, not automatic.These changes were associated with astrocytes, the brain's supporting cells that proliferated and damaged nearby circuits.The findings suggest that some compulsive behaviors may arise from excessive, uncontrolled control rather than loss.for him.
For years, scientists believed that compulsive behavior occurs when people get caught in a "habit loop" that overrides self-control.But new rat research from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) suggests the story may be more complicated.
Compulsive behavior occurs in a number of mental health conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, substance use disorders and gambling disorders.Under these conditions, people continue to repeat certain actions even when they lead to harmful consequences.Millions of people worldwide are affected.
How Habits and Self-Control Usually Work
Senior author Dr. behavioral neuroscientist Laura Bradfield explained that habits serve an important purpose.They allow us to run on autopilot during routine tasks like brushing our teeth or driving down a familiar road, freeing up mental energy for other thoughts.
Dr Bradfield said: "However, if we are driving and a child walks into the road, we suddenly become aware of our surroundings and focus on what we are doing. This involves regaining conscious control, thinking about possible outcomes and adjusting our behaviour."
The theory behind compulsive behaviors such as repeated hand washing or playing poker machines is that these behaviors become ingrained habits.According to this view, behavior is automatic, which makes it difficult for people to regain control of the mind.
"Brain imaging studies have shown that inflammation in the striatum, a brain region involved in action selection, is common in people with compulsive disorders, so we decided to test whether increasing inflammation in this region in mice would increase habitual behavior."
Brain inflammation and decision making
The study was led by Dr Arvie Abiero, who did his PhD at UTS and was recently published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.The researchers looked at how rats learn behavior and how they regulate their actions.When inflammation started in the striatum, the results were unexpected.Instead of becoming more automatic or habitual, the rats showed more conscious and effortful decision making.
"It is surprising that the animals were highly motivated and continued to change their behavior according to the results, even in situations where the habits would normally take over," said Dr.Bradfield.
Astrocyte Role in Compulsive Behavior
The team tracked these changes in astrocytes, star-shaped cells in the brain that support neurons.When inflammation occurs, astrocytes proliferate and disrupt nearby neural circuits that control movement and decision making.
These findings may have important implications for psychologists, psychiatrists, patients and caregivers working with compulsive disorders.Rather than reflecting a loss of control due to runaway habits, some compulsive behaviors may be the result of excessive, albeit misdirected, intentional control.
The researchers suggest that drugs that target astrocytes or drugs that reduce neuroinflammation may provide new treatment options.Broader anti-inflammatory strategies, such as regular exercise or improved sleep, may also play a role.
"There are many compulsions that don't fit neat assumptions about behavior. If a person continues to wash their hands because they're worried about germs, they're not doing it mindlessly but making a conscious choice to do it," Dr. Bradfield said.
"Our results provide a new definition of this behavior that goes against the accepted view. Based on this, it is possible that new treatments and interventions can be developed that more effectively treat these diseases and disorders," he said.
Material provided by the University of Technology Sydney.Note: Content style and length can be edited.
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