Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTheir MeaningAssociated DisordersCoping in the MomentNondrug TreatmentTreatment With MedicationMedication-Induced Thoughts
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Their Meaning
Associated Disorders
Coping in the Moment
Nondrug Treatment
Treatment With Medication
Medication-Induced Thoughts
Racing thoughts can be distressing as they are often linked to a heightened state of arousal, trouble sleeping, and other mental health concerns. They can occur in healthy people and those with mental illness. Understanding the cause of racing thoughts and how to cope with them in the moment and over the long term can help relieve symptoms.
This article will provide examples of racing thoughts, outline the mental illnesses associated with them, and provide interventions that can help you cope along with or without professional help.
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Racing Thoughts: Their Meaning in Examples
How racing thoughts feel is subjective and described differently among people, but some examples include:
Racing vs. Intrusive ThoughtsIntrusive thoughtscan feel similar to racing thoughts, as both are repetitive and difficult to control. However, intrusive thoughts differ in that they are usually distressing and associated with negative thoughts. Intrusive thoughts often follow a stressful or traumatic experience, whereas racing thoughts can occur in anyone, including those who have not experienced trauma.
Racing vs. Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughtscan feel similar to racing thoughts, as both are repetitive and difficult to control. However, intrusive thoughts differ in that they are usually distressing and associated with negative thoughts. Intrusive thoughts often follow a stressful or traumatic experience, whereas racing thoughts can occur in anyone, including those who have not experienced trauma.
Racing Thoughts and Associated Disorders
Racing thoughts are often associated with mental health disorders. Some disorders that involve racing or crowded thoughts include the following:
Racing Thoughts vs. Worry and RuminationThough they can feel similar, there is a difference between worry orruminationand racing thoughts. Whereas worry and rumination are usually associated with being fixed on something in particular, racing thoughts tend to involve jumping from thought to thought and include hyperarousal and an inability to regulate emotions.
Racing Thoughts vs. Worry and Rumination
Though they can feel similar, there is a difference between worry orruminationand racing thoughts. Whereas worry and rumination are usually associated with being fixed on something in particular, racing thoughts tend to involve jumping from thought to thought and include hyperarousal and an inability to regulate emotions.
How to Overcome Racing Thoughts in the Moment
There are some things you can do to stop or slow down racing thoughts when they are occurring, including the following.
Stop the Feedback Loop
Thoughts and feelings are closely connected. The more you think about something, the more you have a physical and emotional reaction to that thought. Intentionallycalmingyour body—such as through deep breathing—signals to your brain that everything is OK. Similarly, changing your thinking to something positive or helpful can signal your body not to react with stress.
Notice Your Thoughts
When you try to ignore your thoughts, your brain may continue jumping from thought to thought automatically. Take some time to notice the thoughts you’re having. You can do this throughmeditation, writing your thoughts, or simply noticing them. Try not to be judgmental; instead, use it as an opportunity to understand yourself better.
If you can identify any feelings that arise while noticing your thoughts, label them and sit with them until they pass. Be sure to set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes so you don’t get lost in your thoughts for long periods.
Try Relaxation Exercises
Sometimes, calming your body down can also slow the mind. Relaxation exercises include deep breathing,progressive muscle relaxation, visualization of a peaceful place, listening to calming music, and taking a walk in nature. Take a few minutes to try a relaxation exercise when your thoughts are racing.
Use Distractions
When racing thoughts do not stop, intentional distractions can help give your brain a break. Try getting some exercise, working on a puzzle, talking with someone, or engaging in an activity that requires you to focus to distract yourself from the thoughts. You can also try a thought-stopping exercise, like picturing a stop sign, snapping your fingers, or saying “stop” out loud.
How to Reduce Racing Thoughts at Night
Treatment For Racing Thoughts Without Medication
A mental health provider can help provide treatments to improve symptoms associated with mental illness. Clinically proven mental health interventions to help disorders that cause racing thoughts include:
Treatment for Racing Thoughts With Medication
When racing thoughts are associated with a diagnosed mental illness, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication to help stabilize symptoms, including racing thoughts. Medications will vary depending on the type of illness. For example, a person who is experiencing racing thoughts as a symptom of bipolar disorder will likely be prescribed a mood stabilizer likelithiumor valproate.
Healthcare providers may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications for people with depression or anxiety along with racing thoughts. These medications might includeselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs),serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs), or norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). People with ADHD may be prescribed a stimulant to help with focus and alertness.
Racing Thoughts vs. PsychosisRacing thoughts are different frompsychosis. People with psychosis usually experience sounds or lights more intensely than usual, odd thoughts, auditory hallucinations like hearing voices, and delusions. If you are unsure whether you are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, talk to a healthcare provider right away.
Racing Thoughts vs. Psychosis
Racing thoughts are different frompsychosis. People with psychosis usually experience sounds or lights more intensely than usual, odd thoughts, auditory hallucinations like hearing voices, and delusions. If you are unsure whether you are experiencing symptoms of psychosis, talk to a healthcare provider right away.
Racing Thoughts From Medication
Some prescribed or recreational medications can bring on or worsen racing thoughts. Medicines that aim to alter cognitive (brain) functioning or that impact the central nervous system, like antidepressants, ADHD medication, and cardiovascular medications, may cause worsened mood symptoms, psychosis, and cognitive issues, including racing thoughts.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice any new or distressing symptoms, like racing thoughts, shortly after beginning a new medication.
Summary
Racing thoughts can be a symptom of a mental illness like a mood or anxiety disorder, or they can occur in healthy people who are having difficulty slowing down their thinking. Racing thoughts can feel different for different people but often include having many thoughts at once, overlapping thoughts, or jumping from one thought to the next without the ability to slow them down. There are many ways to cope with and treat racing thoughts, including relaxation exercises, intentional distraction, working with a mental health provider, and taking medications.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Weiner L, Martz E, Kilic-Huck Ü, Siegel N, Bertschy G, Geoffroy PA, Weibel S, Bourgin P.Investigating racing thoughts in insomnia: a neglected piece of the mood-sleep puzzle?Compr Psychiatry. 2021;111:152271. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152271Martz E, Weiner L, Bonnefond A, Weibel S.Disentangling racing thoughts from mind wandering in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1166602. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1166602Heapy C, Emerson LM, Carroll D.Are failures to suppress obsessive-intrusive thoughts associated with working memory?J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2022;76:101724. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101724Davis M, McKay M, Fanning P.Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life. Fifth edition. Raincoast Books; 2021.The National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.The National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Griswold KS, Del Regno PA, Berger RC.Recognition and differential diagnosis of psychosis in primary care.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(12):856-63.Huffman JC, Stern TA.Neuropsychiatric consequences of cardiovascular medications.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2007;9(1):29-45. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.1/jchuffman
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Weiner L, Martz E, Kilic-Huck Ü, Siegel N, Bertschy G, Geoffroy PA, Weibel S, Bourgin P.Investigating racing thoughts in insomnia: a neglected piece of the mood-sleep puzzle?Compr Psychiatry. 2021;111:152271. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152271Martz E, Weiner L, Bonnefond A, Weibel S.Disentangling racing thoughts from mind wandering in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1166602. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1166602Heapy C, Emerson LM, Carroll D.Are failures to suppress obsessive-intrusive thoughts associated with working memory?J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2022;76:101724. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101724Davis M, McKay M, Fanning P.Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life. Fifth edition. Raincoast Books; 2021.The National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.The National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Griswold KS, Del Regno PA, Berger RC.Recognition and differential diagnosis of psychosis in primary care.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(12):856-63.Huffman JC, Stern TA.Neuropsychiatric consequences of cardiovascular medications.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2007;9(1):29-45. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.1/jchuffman
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Weiner L, Martz E, Kilic-Huck Ü, Siegel N, Bertschy G, Geoffroy PA, Weibel S, Bourgin P.Investigating racing thoughts in insomnia: a neglected piece of the mood-sleep puzzle?Compr Psychiatry. 2021;111:152271. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152271Martz E, Weiner L, Bonnefond A, Weibel S.Disentangling racing thoughts from mind wandering in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1166602. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1166602Heapy C, Emerson LM, Carroll D.Are failures to suppress obsessive-intrusive thoughts associated with working memory?J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2022;76:101724. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101724Davis M, McKay M, Fanning P.Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life. Fifth edition. Raincoast Books; 2021.The National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.The National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Griswold KS, Del Regno PA, Berger RC.Recognition and differential diagnosis of psychosis in primary care.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(12):856-63.Huffman JC, Stern TA.Neuropsychiatric consequences of cardiovascular medications.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2007;9(1):29-45. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.1/jchuffman
Weiner L, Martz E, Kilic-Huck Ü, Siegel N, Bertschy G, Geoffroy PA, Weibel S, Bourgin P.Investigating racing thoughts in insomnia: a neglected piece of the mood-sleep puzzle?Compr Psychiatry. 2021;111:152271. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152271
Martz E, Weiner L, Bonnefond A, Weibel S.Disentangling racing thoughts from mind wandering in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1166602. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1166602
Heapy C, Emerson LM, Carroll D.Are failures to suppress obsessive-intrusive thoughts associated with working memory?J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2022;76:101724. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101724
Davis M, McKay M, Fanning P.Thoughts and Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life. Fifth edition. Raincoast Books; 2021.
The National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
The National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
Griswold KS, Del Regno PA, Berger RC.Recognition and differential diagnosis of psychosis in primary care.Am Fam Physician. 2015;91(12):856-63.
Huffman JC, Stern TA.Neuropsychiatric consequences of cardiovascular medications.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2007;9(1):29-45. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2007.9.1/jchuffman
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