Obsessive Thinking & Intrusive Thoughts
What is obsessive thinking?
Obsessive thinking is a pattern of recurrent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts or images that can be difficult to control or dismiss. These thoughts can be distressing, anxiety-provoking, or disturbing and can interfere with a person's ability to focus on other tasks or engage in daily activities. Obsessive thinking is a symptom of several mental health conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What does obsessive thinking look like?
Obsessive thinking can take many different forms, and can look different for each person. Here are some examples of what obsessive thinking might look like:
Repetitive worries or doubts: An individual may constantly worry about something specific, such as whether they locked the door or turned off the stove. They may check and re-check repeatedly to make sure everything is secure.
Intrusive thoughts or images: An individual may experience unwanted and disturbing thoughts or images that they cannot control. These thoughts may be violent, sexual, or otherwise disturbing.
Obsessive cleanliness or organization: An individual may feel the need to clean or organize things excessively, beyond what is necessary or practical.
Counting or arranging things: An individual may feel compelled to count or arrange things in a certain way, such as counting steps or arranging objects in a specific pattern.
Hypochondriasis: An individual may constantly worry about their health, even when there is no evidence of illness.
Intrusive memories: An individual may experience recurring memories of a traumatic event that they cannot stop thinking about.
These are just a few examples of what obsessive thinking might look like. It's important to note that everyone's experience of obsessive thinking is unique, and that it can take many different forms.
How do you treat obsessive thinking?
Obsessive thinking can be treated through therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Therapy can function to abort the individual obsessive thought by challenging the negative thought patterns and beliefs that underlie obsessive thinking. It can teach coping strategies such as relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Or try to extinguish the fear by pushing the individual to gradually confront their fears via and exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy aims to help individuals explore and understand the unconscious motivations and conflicts that may be contributing to their obsessive thinking. Psychodynamic therapy is an effective form of treatment for obsessive thinking because it addresses the root cause of the issue rather than dealing with a particular manifestation of the obsessive thinking only to have another develop in its place.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and beliefs that underlie obsessive thinking. It teaches coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques, to manage anxiety, and exposure and response prevention (ERP) to help individuals gradually confront their fears and reduce the intensity of their compulsions.
Medication: Certain types of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be effective in reducing the symptoms of obsessive thinking, especially when combined with therapy.
Mindfulness-based interventions: Mindfulness-based interventions can help individuals develop a greater awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and feelings, and learn to manage them more effectively.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps individuals learn to accept their obsessive thoughts as part of their experience, and focus on actions that align with their values and goals.