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Intrusive thoughts are those sudden, often unsettling ideas that can pop into anyone’s mind during everyday situations. For example, you might find yourself in a dull meeting thinking, “What if I just started shouting?” or while driving, wondering, “What if I crash?” Most people experience these kinds of fleeting thoughts occasionally and typically dismiss them without much concern. However, for some individuals, these intrusive thoughts become more than just momentary distractions—they evolve into persistent obsessions that can trigger compulsive behaviors.
Dr Nina Higson-Sweeney, a psychology researcher at the University of Oxford focusing on child and adolescent mental health, has personal experience with these challenges. Diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at the age of 10, she recalls being terrified that if she had a “bad” thought on her way home from school, something dreadful would happen to her family. “If I had an intrusive thought, I’d restart the walk from the bus stop,” she explains. Despite still living with OCD, Nina has learned to better manage her symptoms over time.
OCD is characterized by obsessions—unwanted, intrusive thoughts, feelings, or sensations—and compulsions, which are repeated actions done to ease the anxiety these obsessions create. Around 1-4% of the population is believed to be affected by OCD. Alarmingly, recent surveys indicate a significant increase in reported symptoms among young people aged 16-24 in England, with numbers more than tripling over the last ten years. Intrusive thoughts can be particularly distressing, often revolving around themes that conflict deeply with a person’s sense of self, such as fears about harming loved ones, doubts about sexual orientation, or concerns related to contamination and illness.
According to Nina, OCD typically begins during puberty or early adolescence but can be missed or hidden for years. She mentions that genetic factors may contribute to its development, alongside early life stressors like bullying or family disruptions. Chartered psychologist Kimberley Wilson adds that intrusive thoughts are extremely common, affecting about 80% of people, but for most, these thoughts pass quickly and are easily dismissed. When intrusive thoughts persist and take on a hostile, aggressive quality that becomes all-consuming, leading to compulsions like counting or repeated checking, it may be time to seek professional support.
Managing OCD requires tailored approaches and often professional help. Nina emphasizes the usefulness of practical strategies such as labeling intrusive thoughts to create psychological distance—reminding oneself, “I’m having an intrusive thought,” rather than identifying with it. Visualizing OCD as a separate entity and engaging in self-care, including good nutrition, rest, and physical activity, can also reduce stress and alleviate symptoms. Although Nina continues to experience mild intrusive thoughts, she shares, “I’ve never got over OCD, but I can function with it… When I’m stressed, though, they’re harder to dismiss and can still lead to compulsions.”
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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