intrusive thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

'intrusive thoughts' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used in reference to unwanted, recurring, and sometimes obsessive thoughts that cause anxiety and distress. For example: "My therapist suggested I keep a journal to help me control my intrusive thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dispositional thought suppression mediates the relationship between negative affectivity and intrusive thoughts following a laboratory stressor.

Duke University

And intrusive thoughts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Intrusive thoughts are repetitive and unwanted thoughts about stressful events.

Journal of Psychosomatic Research

"Most of the intrusive thoughts have gone away," he said.

The New Yorker

This gives you something to focus on besides intrusive thoughts.

Harvard University

These serve to decrease anxiety or manage the intrusive thoughts.

The Washington Post

Such intrusive thoughts are a mark of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The Washington Post

I have OCD around contamination and checking, and intrusive thoughts.

The Guardian

On the basis of the analogy between intrusive thoughts and auditory hallucinations established by Morrison et al. [(1995). Intrusive thoughts and auditory hallucinations: a cognitive approach.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Slowness in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has been attributed to intrusive thoughts or meticulousness.

Brain and Cognition

We hypothesized that AEE would increase intrusive thoughts which in turn would increase depressive symptoms.

Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about mental health, use "intrusive thoughts" to accurately describe unwanted and distressing thoughts that can be associated with conditions like OCD or PTSD. This term is widely recognized and understood.

Common error

Don't assume every unwanted thought is an "intrusive thought" indicative of a disorder. "Intrusive thoughts" are persistent, distressing, and often interfere with daily life. Differentiate them from everyday worries that are transient and manageable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intrusive thoughts" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to unwanted and distressing mental intrusions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intrusive thoughts" accurately describes unwanted and distressing mental intrusions, often associated with mental health conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including academia, news media, and scientific literature. When discussing mental health, using "intrusive thoughts" helps to accurately describe the experience. While occasional unwanted thoughts are normal, persistent and distressing "intrusive thoughts" may indicate an underlying issue requiring professional attention. Effective management strategies, such as CBT and ERP, can help individuals regain control. Alternatives like "unwanted thoughts" or "disturbing thoughts" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unwanted thoughts

Focuses on the unwelcomed nature of the thoughts.

Disturbing thoughts

Emphasizes the unsettling quality of the thoughts.

Recurring thoughts

Highlights the repetitive nature of the thoughts.

Obsessive thoughts

Indicates a more intense and persistent form of unwanted thoughts.

Unbidden thoughts

Stresses the spontaneous and uncontrolled arrival of the thoughts.

Involuntary thoughts

Highlights the lack of control over the thoughts.

Intrusive cognitions

Uses a more technical term for thoughts.

Unpleasant mental images

Expands the concept to include visual intrusions.

Anxious thoughts

Specifies the emotion associated with the thoughts.

Negative automatic thoughts

Focuses on the automatic and negative nature of the thoughts, often in a therapeutic context.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "intrusive thoughts"?

Alternatives include "unwanted thoughts", "disturbing thoughts", or "recurring thoughts", which all capture the essence of unwelcome and repetitive mental intrusions.

How are "intrusive thoughts" related to OCD?

"Intrusive thoughts" are a common symptom of OCD, often leading to compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Not everyone with "intrusive thoughts" has OCD, but it's a significant feature of the disorder.

Can therapy help with "intrusive thoughts"?

Yes, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) are effective treatments for managing "intrusive thoughts". These therapies help individuals challenge and change the patterns of thinking and behavior associated with these thoughts.

Is it normal to have "intrusive thoughts"?

Experiencing occasional "intrusive thoughts" is relatively common. However, when these thoughts become frequent, distressing, and interfere with daily functioning, it may indicate an underlying mental health condition that requires professional attention.