According to a 2020 article , racing thoughts may be a symptom of bipolar disorder, especially during a manic phase. However, according to a 2019 article, various other factors can trigger racing thoughts. These include: anxiety.
The conditions most commonly linked to racing thoughts are bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sleep deprivation, amphetamine dependence, and hyperthyroidism.
"Frequent racing thoughts may be related to anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, or other mental health issues that need exploring," says Fabrett.
Racing thoughts may be a string of worries or regrets. They may be replays of past events which generated anxiety or sadness for you. They may also be worries about things that can happen in the future.
Racing thoughts, also known as "rumination," is a common symptom experienced by individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This phenomenon refers to a rapid succession of thoughts that are difficult to control or slow down, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, and confusion.
Stress is one of the “usual suspects” when you can't seem to stop thinking. Stress causes your body to release cortisol, and cortisol helps you stay alert. This means that your brain stays alert, too — even when you don't want it to.
Racing thoughts are common in stressful situations, but they can also be a sign of an underlying mental health condition, like an anxiety disorder. There are many things you can do to calm your racing thoughts, but if they don't go away, consider seeking mental health treatment.
What drives this is underlying anxiety. Common forms include worrying, perfectionism, struggle with making decisions, and excessive control over yourself and others. Keys to coping include getting your rational brain online, using your gut reactions as important information, and taking acceptable risks.
Racing thoughts and racing mind, such as feeling like your mind is going a million miles an hour, thoughts that come nonstop, feeling like you can't control the speed of your thoughts, feeling like your mind is wired, and having so many thoughts that your mind is pulling you in all kinds of directions at the same time, ...
Racing thoughts and flight of ideas can occur with conditions other than bipolar disorder, including major depression and anxiety disorders. Certain drugs can also cause racing thoughts, such as methamphetamine and cocaine. Withdrawal from these drugs as well as opiates and heroin can also cause racing thoughts.
You do not know how to relax – When finding time to relax is just another thing on your “to do” list, it becomes counterproductive. You have an untreated anxiety disorder – Living with untreated anxiety makes everything more challenging. Constant stress and worry make relaxation impossible.
If you often go to bed exhausted but can't sleep because your brain won't switch off, you're not alone. Excessive thinking at night is one of the most common causes of insomnia. More often than not, it's a sign of stress. Your mind is on high alert, afraid to fall asleep in case you might forget something important.
Apart from ADHD, can other mental health conditions cause racing thoughts as well? Other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, can also lead to racing thoughts. Note that these mental health conditions can happen alongside ADHD.
Those with ADHD often struggle with racing thoughts, making it difficult for them to complete tasks and focus on responsibilities. These may be caused by a multitude of factors and can negatively impact a person's daily functioning.
Overthinking can be an early indicator or symptom of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. To stop overthinking, you can try challenging your thoughts, reaching out to loved ones for support, or talking to a mental health professional for extra help.
Facing an anxiety disorder head-on isn't something anyone wants to do, but unfortunately, ignoring it will only worsen your situation. You don't have to continue to suffer forever. Whether you'd like to go it alone or seek outside help, anxiety disorders can and should be treated.
We all have been there. Overthinking is caused due to various reasons like fear, intolerance to uncertainty, trauma, or perfectionism. Overthinking can also be a symptom of already existing mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or depression.