Constantly Thinking Disorder: is it a real thing?
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Last Updated: 06/12/2022 at 4:13am
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Yes, it is a completely real thing. Our brains never turn off. Even in our sleep, our brain is working.
To simplify this question, yes. Over thinking affects millions of people and symptoms of this cause cost in ones life. Over thinking can impact on relationships, self portrayal, attention and mood.
Well it isn’t actually listed in the DSM-5 for disorders but constantly thinking is something people can be attacked by frequently because of anxiety disorders or ptsd, depressive or borderline disorders, or simply stress. Constantly thinking can be annoying and sometimes exercising with music or swimming, doing chores, this can all help you keep your mind busy and help you take a mental break!
Anonymous
July 26th, 2018 12:48am
Well to be honest I think it's fine to be constantly thinking but I think that what could make someone think of it as a disorder is if it affects your daily life. But there are ways to cope
Anonymous
August 12th, 2018 5:38pm
No it is not a real thing . We tend to take things to heart and really think about it depending on the situation . It's called anxiety .
Good question, I have not heard this discuss in any forum or just that I didn' come across it.
This is my experience and goes back over 20 years. I Joined Alcoholics Anonymous and stopped drinking and lot of negative emotions surfaced and I had to deal with. Anger, restlessness, irritability, anxiety the list goes on, but the one that was driving me crazy , I couldn't stop thinking, my thoughts just racing and nothing I could do to slow down.
AA is where I related to people and slowly was on my way to recovery but what was discomforting is that I don't remember anyone complaining about constant thinking so I figured oh well, I am alone on this.
Uncover, discover and discard is one of the principals I followed and following the path of recovery, just takes time and constant thinking slowed down to a comfotable state of mind.
Besides the recognized disorders, people go through many other issues, by different natures and reasons. Overthinking may be one of these, even if you could never have heard about it. Your thoughts may be invasive, and they can block you from living your life happily. So yes, it is a real thing. Never underestimate a problem just because you know nobody who experienced it. Quitting negative and demoralizing thoughts is a really difficult fight, but anyone can face it, and win over them. 7cups is capable to help those who feel like their overthinking is becoming too problematic. Hope listeners can give you support!
Honestly, I think it is. Yes, we do think every minute. Thoughts run through our brain even though we seem to be free of them. Yet, I think that disorder is based upon bad thought, that go hand in hand with anxiety. So it does exist, and it something that probably most of the people with anxiety issue experience. Also, I believe it could be treated like anxiety it self, since the way we can distract ourselves from anxiety, we could distract selves the same way from CTD. It is understandable that such steps are hard, yet let's be positive about ourselves and let's take our health in our own hands.
Anonymous
November 19th, 2019 4:18pm
I don't believe there is a disorder for constantly thinking, however, there are many different types of mental illnesses/cognitive processes that do include constant thinking also known as "Overthinking." ADHD and ADD are two different types of cognitive processes. ADHD and ADD are usually focusing problems usually passed down genetically. With ADHD and ADD there is a lack of Norepinephrine, basically meaning there is less control in the brain, this causing the thoughts or imagination in the brain to be constant. A mental illness that includes constant thinking could be a sort of Anxiety. It's shown that people with an anxiety disorder tend to overthink constantly or can't stop worrying/thinking. I advise you look into the symptoms and talk to a licensed professional to see if you have one of the above, seeing how if you don't get help it could become a problem in your daily life.
I think the first thing we should do is define what a disorder means.
"disrupt the normal functioning of."
This tells us that, hypothetically, a constant thinking disorder wouldn't make a lot of sense because there's no abnormal form of constant thinking, and it's too specific. So, if we generalize it a bit and say 'thinking disorder', this makes sense. A disruption in the normal function of thinking; which could entail thinking all the time.
Now that we got the technicalities out of the way, lets think about other disorders, such as an eating disorder.
A 'disorder' usually means something negative. So a nice rhetorical question you could ask yourself is "what would be the abnormality or the negativity of thinking all the time?"
It always depends on the individual when it comes to thinking deeply.
Sometimes it can be depressive, sometimes it can help someone relieve anger, for example, or anything in between; whereas an eating disorder only implies a negative effect. So, using that logic, a thinking disorder couldn't really be real. However, this sort of 'concept' could be a branch off of depression, anxiety or paranoia due to the higher amount of which you evaluate things within your life.
Some people's minds are just far more active than others. I do find it very hard to switch off. Sometimes, especially when we're facing a predicament it can be hard not to let our brain branch off towards every eventuality. I always try to remember that we can only do what we can. If you're finding that you can't do tasks like reading without realising half of the words havent gone in, that you could be overwhelmed with a problem, or perhaps feeling anxious.
Do you find that it's happening every day? And it really depends on what situations bring it on too.
I guess, somewhat. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations or the urge to do something over and over again. When your mental health declines and you start experiencing depression or anxiety, it can cause repeated thoughts.
Sounds like you might be referring to obsessive compulsive disorder. That is characterized by feeling the need to repeat the same things over and over again. Of course you could also be referring to anxiety disorder. That can result in you worrying about thing excessivly. Playing an event over and over in your head. "What if this happens" "maybe I should have did this instead" I would recoomend that you reach out to one of the 7cups listeners who can really help you explore this question a little bit deeper. With everything going on in the world right now alot of people are constantly thinking.
Anonymous
May 3rd, 2020 9:43pm
I have never heard of this disorder, and I don’t even know if it is a real one or not, but when I hear this I think of anxiety. Anxiety is when you are always worrying or anxious about something, meaning you’re constantly thinking. But of course if you’re constantly thinking worrying about something isn’t always the case, of course. So, if you feel you’re always thinking and you can’t quiet your mind, there’s many other things that could be going on. Since I’m no expert I’d recommend talking to a doctor or some sort of specialist to get the help you need.
Clinically, there isn't a disorder by that name but those of us who suffer from mental health problems certainly experience constant or obsessive thoughts like this. It can be truly terrifying and these thoughts can manifest physical symptoms such as obsessively needing to clean your surroundings (not OCD but rather it is a manifestation of your feelings of shame and feeling dirty) or when you feel dirty yourself despite having taken a shower.
It isn't real but it hurts us just the same. It is easier for people to tell us to not think about it because thinking leads to elevated stress levels but what we need to do is redirect our thoughts to another direction so we aren't eternally stressed.
Having your mind constantly race is definitely a common thing for many people. It's usually a sign of some type of anxiety. Luckily, there are ways to center your mind and keep it from being so preoccupied by anxiety-inducing thoughts. Mindfulness is a type of meditation practice which helps people mentally ground themselves in the moment. Rather than trying to switch off your thoughts (something that isn't possible), people are guided in focusing on their current environment such as sounds or objects. Focusing on stimuli in here and now helps the anxiety sufferer be more present in the moment.
in my opinion, If we are simply speaking about constantly thinking disorder and exclude ocds, anxiety and other mental impairments i do not belive it is "real", On what factors can this condition could be diagnosed? one cannot simply stop thinking as thinking is for the brain what blood circulation is for the heart and the thoughts born in one's brain are simply the product of their personal intelligence, One should accept their thoughts and (dreams?) as beeing a part of themselves. It may possibly be that such individuals might need to practice and engage in activities that furthermore stimulate their brain.?
Anonymous
June 29th, 2020 3:40pm
From my understanding, it is more like OCD. According to American Psychiatric Association's definition: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which time people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). The repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, checking on things or cleaning, can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions.Many people have focused thoughts or repeated behaviors. But these do not disrupt daily life and may add structure or make tasks easier. For people with OCD, thoughts are persistent and unwanted routines and behaviors are rigid and not doing them causes great distress. Many people with OCD know or suspect their obsessions are not true; others may think they could be true (known as poor insight). Even if they know their obsessions are not true, people with OCD have a hard time keeping their focus off the obsessions or stopping the compulsive actions.
Anonymous
September 6th, 2020 12:28pm
No, however there are a lot of disorders that involve uncontrollable, racing thoughts. For example mood disorders such as anxiety, OCD, depression, bipolar. Those of course are only a fraction of them. Constantly thinking can be quite harmful for a person and can lead to a deteriorating mental health if not dealt with soon enough. It is important to remember that even though you may feel as though you have no control over your mind and that you can not stop these painful/stressful feelings, you actually can. Some people are just not in the habbit of being in control because they haven't been taught that.
Yes, constantly thinking disorder is a real thing. People have struggled with overthinking for a long time and it consumes their thoughts and can impede their day. They can struggle with relationships and their day day and can impede with work if they have a spouse they can struggle to communicate. we have to think about every single thing we go through. Even when deciding to get dressed in the morning requires thinking and decision making. Or the drive to work, requires thinking even if its the same route you take daily, whatever it is it requires thinking to the fullest.
In reality, this doesn't exist. But there are many different kinds of anxiety disorders where an individual engages in overthinking but essentially it is not a disorder. When an individual cannot stop obsessing and worrying over things but it can interfere with day to day life. Overthinking is common, it's part of the human condition. Everbody overthink things at times: may be due to over concern or due to lifestyle performance but what is important is that it is the root cause of all kinds of anxiety disorders so essentially it must be treated either by natural remedies like meditation or artificial therapies.
Constantly thinking is not a disease or a disorder. It is other conditions, connected or associated with a variety of other conditions that overthinking becomes symptomatic. "what conditions cause overthinking?" Some mental health diagnoses where a person can't stop their brain from rumination are PTSD, trauma, agoraphobia, panic disorder, selective mutism, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, substance-induced anxiety disorders, or it could potentially be a symptom of some other illness. Anxiety levels have a major to play in overthinking. I myself am one that Overthinks almost everything, I am very analytical due to PTSD. Learning to Ground your self is a help to bring down the anxiety which in turn will bring some calmness and a slowing down of the brain sometimes.
Anonymous
November 7th, 2020 6:11pm
Yes, I believe it is. The mind is always processing new and old information. the thought are either random or purposeful, but nevertheless, always present. Pictures in the minds eye or just trying to remember what to do, what needs to be done, or process problem solving solutions. The mind is constantly active and teaming with thought. Since thinking is a progressive function, and the brain never stops processing sensory stimulation, then it is safe to say that the brain is constantly thinking. Whether or not it is conscious though or just daydreaming, the surrounding around you make you engage the mind. Even in sleep, subconscious thoughts are being processed. So the true question is... Is it really a disorder?
Anonymous
December 3rd, 2020 12:03am
I surely believe it is a real thing. Being an overthink can be very hard for people especially since it can lead to the over analyzing. I believe that it is real thing because a lot of people suffer from over thinking. It is no way an easy burden to carry. It difficult and can be a hinderance in many situations including but not limited to dating, meeting new people, going on an interview, and even something as common as ordering food. I don't know if there is a technical term for this disorder but it is very real to at least me.
Anonymous
December 31st, 2020 2:34am
Hi there! I personally believe the disorder can be real and it can affect people without them knowing. I am definitely not an expert but I am a constant thinker myself and I can understand how extreme it can become. I am not sure if it is an official type of disorder but constantly thinking can lead to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and other mental health issues.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is similar to constantly thinking. Both struggles with overthinking and constant thoughts. The difference can be that people with OCD have to face with unwanted thoughts and behaviors while with constant thinking disorder, it is not necessarily only having unwanted thoughts. People who constantly think can have the preference to think for a long period of time.
Above are the opinions and personal interpretations of my thoughts on this topic. I hope this can help those who also struggle with overthinking. Remember, listeners on 7Cups are always here to company you through thicks and thins~
-Fiona
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2021 1:20pm
In the medical field is known as OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder. Keep in minf that our brains are always working and thinking even when we are sleeping, so there's nothing wrong with that, but when we get uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that can lead to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), then it can become a problem and is diagnosed as OCD.
OCD is more common that what people think and it can be mild or severe, but there are treatment available and best thing to do is to seek professional medical help to get a proper diagnose and the help you need if having OCD.
Yes, it is. People get caught up in a worrisome thought and the thoughts become circular. They
obsess and it continues, until therapy or medication breaks the cycle. Most times this requires professional help, if it goes on too long.
My brother had circular thoughts and he got both therapy and medication, which helped him.
It can become a vicious cycle, even compromising a person’s mental health, where they cannot function doing the most basic tasks. Thinking by itself is not necessarily an illness, but being unable to relax is not healthy. It may not be in the DSM V book, but it raises flags that help made be needed.
Although constantly thinking may be part of the disorder, something that may be closer to "Constantly thinking" is a mild or small form of OCD (Obsessive Compulsion Disorder). This disorder does deal with reoccurring thoughts that could lead to repeated behavior. However, another question that may help would be, 'what are these thoughts that you are thinking constantly about?' If you are constantly pondering something, is something bothering you? If so, it may always linger in the back of your mind until it's solved. If nothing is bothering you, do you like being by myself often? Does the silence bother you? Sometimes I find myself thinking about the smallest issues when it's too quiet because the silence is something I always want to fill. Although constantly thinking may not be a disorder in itself, the act of it may be something else. Whatever it may be, it's a real thing if you believe in it.
No. But, if you are having trouble with racing thoughts, according to a Medical News Today article, "However, according to a 2019 article, various other factors can trigger racing thoughts. These include:
anxiety
depression
panic disorders
chronic stress
the use of recreational drugs, such as amphetamine or cocaine
some prescription drugs, such as dexamethasone
medical conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Cushing’s disease
a traumatic brain injury
Other conditions that may lead to racing thoughts include:
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)"
If you are having trouble with racing thoughts you should definitely reach out to a psychologist. Racing thoughts are not fun and difficult to deal with on your own.
Anonymous
March 21st, 2021 7:34pm
I don't love classifications about "disorder" generally, but I acknowledge that some of us do experience this reality of constant thinking. I can see this as a gift sometimes, but it can also be very difficult. For example, it may be more difficult to initiate tasks when we are worried about outcomes very far in the future. It can also feel very overwhelming, and it may be difficult for others to relate to this feeling. I see it as a difference rather than a disorder, and it seems helpful to be compassionate to oneself and learn strategies to manage the sense of overwhelm. Mindfulness and meditation may be helpful tools in this regard.
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