An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. Intrusive thoughts are unexpected and often strange or distressing, and they can happen to almost everyone from time to time. They can range from a thought that makes you feel a little bit uneasy to being wholly disturbing. Intrusive thoughts may be violent or sexual in nature, frightening, related to a phobia or deep-seated fear, disgusting, embarrassing or shameful, or amoral or blasphemous if the person having the thought is religious. Intrusive thoughts may involve violent obsessions about hurting others or themselves, and they can be related to primarily obsessional obsessive-compulsive disorder. Intrusive thoughts can be a symptom of anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) . They may also be associated with episodic memory, unwanted worries or memories from OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder, other anxiety disorders, eating disorders, or psychosis.
While intrusive thoughts may be disturbing, they are not harmful or a sign that you have a secret desire to do the things that popped into your mind. The good news is many intrusive thoughts can be considered normal and pass through a person’s mind without leaving an imprint. However, some intrusive thoughts may begin to stick in people’s minds and bother them, and they may ruminate on the idea and start to feel anxious. If intrusive thoughts are part of a mental health condition, theyre a symptom that can respond to treatment. The most common trigger for intrusive thoughts is stress, which may lead to intrusive thoughts that can be exacerbated by disruptions to normal routines, lack of adequate sleep, hormonal shifts, and other factors.
To manage intrusive thoughts, it is important to recognize and label them for what they are -- intrusive thoughts that you can’t control. Instead of trying to push them away, it is better to just let them linger. Intrusive thoughts can also be managed by addressing the underlying problem, such as stress or anxiety. If intrusive thoughts are happening often, causing significant concern, or interfering with daily activities, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor.
