Need help for INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS

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Lately, I have been having trouble with what I call 'intrusive' thoughts coming into my mind. The content of the thought is usually aggressive, immoral, or otherwise explicit. They can happen at anytime, but are most bothersome when I am in public or around people. A negative or bothersome emotion does not usually precede the thought either; it happens at random most of the time. There are 2 issues with this, the main one being that I fear I will lose control and act on the thought; the other being it bothers my conscience. The thoughts can be directed at anyone, even someone I love or care about. Does anyone else have the same or similar problems, and/or does anyone have a solution or way to fix this? I have told my doctor, and he says that this is actually fairly common, but many people don't say anything about it. I have been diagnosed with Aspergers, either bipolar or MDD, ADD, and have mild Tourette's syndrome. Any help with this is appreciated. Thank you.

Hi MedicineMan,

I have vivid memories from the past of events that hurt me randomly pop into my head. If I fight them off with distractions I can sometimes not leave enough head space for them. If I have to perform tasks that I don't derive enjoyment from, it creates much potential for these thoughts to take hold and cause me to become very agitated. Then every interaction I have is affected by my altered mood. I can treat those around me rather poorly, but have no idea that I am doing so. Later, when I review past events, I hate myself when I realise that I have treated somebody that held some degree of care for me poorly. I believe that when I am being assaulted by hurtful memories and I am finding the simplest tasks frustratingly difficult I am aggressive towards others which leads to negative reactions which creates new negative memories. Repeat cycle. Build momentum. I wanna get off now.

I do sometimes get bad thoughts like that. I have noticed when I am not depressed they wont pop into my head as much, and it is much easier to brush them off. One thing that helps in that way is phyiscal activities, even if it is just walking a few miles each day

Hello MedicineMan. I too have had intrusive thought. I find that the best thing I can do is engage in another activity. It usually strikes me when I'm lying in bed trying to get to sleep. I will usually get up if they're too much and work on a puzzle or something. If it gets too bad, I take an anti-anxiety medication.

As for immoral thoughts, I once gave into one. It was sinful but it felt right. To this day I don't regret it as it led me to be the man I am today. It almost got me kicked out of my congregation because of it. I'm not sure I'm ready quite yet to reveal what it is exactly I'm talking about. Suffice it to say that my partner and I are very happy together.

This sounds like the "obsessive" part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It's closely related to Tourette's Syndrome from a neurological stand point.

The "obsessions" in OCD are not actually obsessions, but intrusive thoughts of the type you are having. I suggest you consult with a psychiatrist on the matter and discuss various therapies that might be available to you, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

You could start singing in your head when this happens. Memorize a few songs and sing or recite the lyrics in your mind. Poetry should work too.

That is quite interesting. I only have such thoughts in the early morning, until my antidepressant kicks in.

This is incorrect. The TRUE, clinical definition of an obsession is an unwanted, intrusive thought that repeatedly enters the mind against one's own will and causes anxiety. The word "obsess" comes from the Latin verb "obsidere," which means "to besiege." Most people nowadays use "obsess" and "obsession" colloquially and incorrectly to describe anything somebody does excessively. We Aspies often say we're "obsessed" with our special interests, but again, this is incorrectly using the word, as our special interests give us pleasure and calm us. True obsessions of the OCD intrusive thought kind are morally disgusting and unpleasant.

And, MedicineMan, your intrusive thoughts sound like classic OCD. Definitely talk to a doctor about getting help. I've suffered from OCD all of my life, and the type of OCD I have is the kind you're describing- the "pure 'O'" kind where the biggest problem is intrusive thoughts that are disturbing and vile. We OCD-ers classically believe that having these thoughts make us "bad" and that we want to do the things we see in our mind, but this is not true. Because of our excessive guilt and feelings of overresponsibility, we OCD-ers are some of the least likely people to commit crimes or do something "bad." Unfortunately, it doesn't feel that way when we're seeing graphic violent, blasphemous, and/or sexual images in our mind 24/7...

Thanks for the definition of obsession; I've been using this word incorrectly. I guess I'll call it now passion or enthusiasm!

Yes, most Aspies who do not have comorbid OCD do have strong obsessive-compulsive tendencies and traits, but acting obsessive-compulsive and "fixated" is much different than actually having true obsessions and compulsions.

I get intrusive and unwanted thoughts from my OCD.

You fear doing such because you'd never do it. Once you realize that, you get used to them.

People who do "bad" things don't care that they do bad things (they may care about getting caught, but that's purely selfish, which fits in with who they are).

Wow i can totally relate to this. You described me perfectly in my world of self torture. I feel your pain, you have my sympathies friend

I regularly get intrusive thoughts regarding my girlfriend. I won't say what, because it's very personal, but I want to just move on from it - I just keep thinking of the same imagery and situations over and over and there seems like there is no way it will leave. Mostly it's paranoia based, and sometimes it gets so bad that I literally whack myself in the head (or whack my head on something hard) to try to get rid of the thoughts.

It's not necessarily thoughts that would involve me being an antagonist, but thoughts that cause me great turmoil nonetheless.

thanks for all the replies( and any future ones). doing a physical activity or just thinking of somthing else sound like good ideas, i think ill try them. as for OCD, i used to have it when i was a kid and i wonder if it is coming back. my doc says there is a possibility of OCD in me, i talked to him today. and for those who have similar problems and can sympathize thanks; I'm new to this site and didnt know what to expect.

I always just pat myself on the back and think "your not a zombie..... yet".

Thank you for that interesting bit of information on the etymology of the word "obsession". However I was addressing it in the context of how it is most commonly perceived and used amongst modern English speakers, which conflicts with how it is used with respect to OCD...I am assuming because for the reasons you have stated.