Whether they arise on their own or in response to external or internal cues, intrusive thoughts are always disruptive. Distressing and recurrent, these thoughts are usually avoided. Although they are most commonly associated with OCD, these symptoms can also be present in people with other types of anxiety. Harm, violence, sexuality, religious beliefs, and accidentally causing harm are common topics of intrusive thoughts.
Types of intrusive thoughts
It’s important to note that there’s more than one kind of unwanted thought. Some people experience irrational fears and concerns about things like:
- germs, infections, or other forms of contamination
- violence, aggression, or causing harm to other
- confusion about daily tasks and lack of confidence in their accuracy
- illicit acts or situations
- acting out or saying the wrong thing in public
Concern about the significance of intrusive thoughts is a common reaction among those who experience them. When this happens, the individual may try to suppress the thoughts by any means necessary. People may also want to conceal them out of embarrassment.
Bear in mind that while the thought or image may be unsettling, it typically does not mean anything in particular. You shouldn’t worry too much if you have no plans to act on the thought and can go about your day as usual without any trouble.
Intrusive thoughts: what causes them?
Anxious, intrusive thoughts may arise for no apparent reason. Although the causes of intrusive thoughts have been investigated, a clear explanation has yet to be found. Some authorities maintain that unwanted ideas take the form of defiance against actions we would never take. Many professionals, however, think that these unwanted thoughts are actually indicators of deeper problems in interpersonal or societal stability.
Odd ideas can pop into our heads and stick around as our wandering minds absorb information from their environment. The following diagnoses have been linked to episodes of intrusive thinking:
- Injury to the brain
- Parkinson’s disease
- Dementia
Certain mental disorders are also linked to persistent, intrusive thoughts.
How to Deal with Obtrusive Thoughts
The goal is not necessarily the absence of disruptive thoughts, and it may not always be possible to do so.
In its place, you could try to find ways to manage your anxiety and distance yourself from the scary idea. The point is to stop thinking that your thoughts are controlling you.
In order to alter your outlook and banish those pesky intrusive thoughts, follow these guidelines.
- Give in and let the ideas settle in. Never attempt to drive them away.
- Just float around and get used to letting time go by.
- Aim to keep things simple. Pause. Give yourself time. Nothing is urgent.
- Be prepared for the thoughts to return.
- Continue doing whatever it was you were doing before the intrusive thought appeared, letting the anxiety be there.
- Get the ideas out of your head.
- Attempt to understand the “mean” of your thoughts.
It may be challenging to implement this strategy. Any person who uses it consistently for even a couple of weeks is likely to experience a reduction in the frequency as well as the intensity of the undesired intrusive thoughts.
The diagnosis of intrusive thoughts
A consultation with a Psychiatrist is the first step in arriving at a diagnosis. Your symptoms and health background will be examined. They might use tests and questionnaires to learn more about your symptoms after conducting a physical exam.
They may suggest seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist if they rule out any physical causes for your intrusive thoughts. This group is educated to spot the telltale signs of disorders like OCD and PTSD that can contribute to the development of intrusive thoughts.
You and your psychologist or psychiatrist can work together to monitor the occurrence and impact of these thoughts. This will aid in making a diagnosis and eliminating other potential explanations.
What is the most effective way to treat intrusive thoughts?
- Medication: A professional in the field of mental health can assess and provide a diagnosis. When the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain become unbalanced, a doctor may recommend taking medication. Antidepressants and other drugs that affect serotonin levels may be helpful in reducing intrusive thoughts in people with OCD, PTSD, or depression.
- Behavior and Cognitive Therapy: The most effective method for reducing intrusive thoughts are regular counseling sessions with a mental health professional. Patients can learn to deal with and eventually become less affected by intrusive thoughts by engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). To help the patient work through the intrusive thought in a safe environment, a therapist may also try to desensitize them by exposing them to triggers.
- Self-Care: Self-care is essential both on its own and in combination with other treatments. Relaxing the body and mind through practices like yoga, meditation, and massage can help reduce both the frequency and intensity of intrusive thoughts.
Conclusion
Consulting the best Psychiatrist may be necessary if your intrusive thoughts become increasingly problematic and start to interfere with your daily life and responsibilities. It may take some time to learn how to stop and prevent intrusive thoughts, but that’s okay.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to have disturbing ideas without being aware of them?
In some cases, they may occur for no apparent reason. A few random ideas pop into your head. Then, as quickly as they arrived, they vanish without a trace. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the less common mental health conditions associated with intrusive thoughts (PTSD).
2. Do people ever respond to intrusive thoughts?
In most cases, patients who experience intrusive thoughts do not actually act on them. Distinct from patients who actually act on their suicidal thoughts are those who merely feel intense guilt, anxiety, shame, and upset over these thoughts.
3. Where can these unwanted ideas take you?
The negative effects of intrusive thoughts on our psyches are well-documented. As a result of their distressing nature, they have been linked to cases of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The bright side is that they are controllable.