Unwanted Thoughts, also called intrusive thoughts, are distressing ideas or images that pop into the mind involuntarily. They’re common in anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD.
Key Points:
- Common Themes: Harm to self or others, sexual content, religious blasphemy, contamination fears.
- Response: Attempts to suppress these thoughts often make them more persistent.
- Management: CBT (Exposure and Response Prevention), mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance-based strategies to reduce distress.
