"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.
The causes of racing thoughts are most often associated with anxiety disorders, but many influences can cause these rapid, racing thoughts. There are also many associated conditions, in addition to anxiety disorders, which can be classified as having secondary relationships with causing racing thoughts.
Racing thoughts – fast, repetitive thought patterns about a particular topic – are a common feature of anxiety and other mental health disorders.
Although having intrusive, unwanted, or “strange” thoughts, images or urges on occasion is normal, even repugnant examples as above, when people find that this is happening repeatedly, and lasting for an hour or more a day, more days than not, they might be having obsessions, a phenomenon consistent with a diagnosis of ...
Intrusive thoughts are often triggered by stress or anxiety. They may also be a short-term problem brought on by biological factors, such as hormone shifts. For example, a woman might experience an uptick in intrusive thoughts after the birth of a child.
People who are distressed by recurring, unwanted, and uncontrollable thoughts or who feel driven to repeat specific behaviors may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The thoughts and behaviors that characterize OCD can interfere with daily life, but treatment can help people manage their symptoms.
Racing thoughts are often one of the first symptoms to develop when someone with bipolar disorder is entering a hypomanic or manic episode. 4 It can be—but is not always—a debilitating experience. Some people describe it as having excessive thoughts that move quickly, but with a sense of fluidity and pleasantness.
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.
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.
Some people feel that self-talk creates a “presence” around them that makes them feel better. This can help with loneliness. But in some cases, when people talk to themselves in an erratic or muttering way, it could indicate a mental health disorder.
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.
Overthinking, Rumination & Bipolar Disorder
Most people overthink decisions or second-guess choices they've made at one time or another but when you have bipolar disorder, it can feel like you're on a hamster wheel without any signs of a slow down or an end in sight.
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
Racing Thoughts Examples
I have a big test/presentation coming up and I'm going to mess up or get it wrong. I can't believe I said X, I must have sounded so silly . I wonder what they are thinking about me. I think they hate me.
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts that can arise at unexpected times and may be hard to control. While intrusive thoughts can be about anything, the negative ones tend to cause the most distress.
Bible Verses for OCD Sufferers
2 Timothy 1:7: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-control. 1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Psalm 4:8: I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Overthinking is commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), says Duke. GAD is characterized by the tendency to worry excessively about several things. “Someone can develop GAD due to their genes.
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts that can pop into our heads without warning, at any time. They're often repetitive – with the same kind of thought cropping up again and again – and they can be disturbing or even distressing.