Introduction to Intrusive Thoughts
Research suggests that most of us have troubling scenarios running through our minds from time to time. These worrying scenarios are called “intrusive thoughts” that most of us experience from time to time and are able to shake off. However, for some, they can become overwhelming obsessions that lead to compulsive behavior.
What are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts can be extremely distressing and often focus on issues that are completely at odds with a person’s values or identity. Maybe you’re thinking about harm coming to your loved ones. It could be questioning your own sexual attraction and thinking are you gay? Are you straight? It can even be as extreme as worrying are you a pedophile? A really common problem is intrusive thoughts about infection and worry about getting sick or spreading disease.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder most often begins in puberty or early adolescence, but some people are not diagnosed until later in life because they can "spend years trying to hide or cover up the distress." Research suggests there may be a genetic component to the development of OCD, as well as a link to early life stress such as bullying, grief or family breakdown. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, feelings, and sensations, while compulsions are repeated, ritualized actions performed to neutralize or relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessions.
Prevalence of OCD
It is thought that around 1-4% of the population lives with OCD, but the number of cases is increasing. The number of 16 to 24-year-olds in England reporting symptoms has more than tripled in a decade. The condition is now the second most common mental health disorder among young adults.
Managing OCD
In these cases, “a professional or specialist can figure out what’s best for you.” In addition to professional help, there are techniques that people can use in everyday life to relieve stress. You learn to name thoughts. "Recognizing that I’m having an intrusive thought creates distance and reminds me that it’s not me." Some people also find it helpful to think of OCD as something separate. “It can be helpful to draw what OCD looks like – there is me and there is OCD, and they are two different things.” Self-care is also important. "Good nutrition, rest and physical activity can help, as my OCD gets worse when I’m stressed and don’t take care of myself."
Living with OCD
Today, many people still live with OCD but have learned to deal with it. "I’ve never gotten over OCD, but I can manage it. I now have intrusive thoughts easily and have a lot of insight into how I deal with them. However, when I’m stressed, they’re harder to dismiss and can still lead to compulsions." If you can’t dismiss the thoughts, you may need to seek help. Thoughts associated with OCD do not progress, they become established and are never positive thoughts – they are aggressive, hostile and not easy to manage. Then it becomes all-encompassing and leads to compulsions. Signs of compulsions can be mental, such as counting to a certain number, or visible, such as repeatedly checking car tires even though you know they are fine.
Getting Help
If you are affected by the issues in this story, you can find details of organizations offering advice and support. Almost everyone has intrusive thoughts at some point. Research suggests something like 80% of us have these thoughts. For most people, these thoughts pass quickly. “We can look at them, think they’re strange, and then put them aside.”
