Sometimes intrusive thoughts seem to come out of nowhere, with no defined вЂњtrigger.вЂќ High stress may also increase the frequency of intrusive thoughts you experience. Certain smells or physical sensations (like nausea) might activate intrusive memories about a traumatic event for someone with PTSD. When they see sharp objects - like knives in the kitchen - it might trigger their intrusive thoughts. Myhre says common triggers may include:ДЇor example, someone with OCD may experience intrusive thoughts related to harming a loved one. What triggers an intrusive thought?ДЄccording to clinical psychologist Samantha Myhre, triggers for intrusive thoughts are usually tied to a core fear or feared outcome. WeвЂ™ll also give you up-to-date information on ways to manage your intrusive thoughts. In this guide, weвЂ™ll discuss the kinds of intrusive thoughts people with OCD and PTSD experience.

One study found that nearly 94% of people experience intrusive thoughts. But the truth is, almost everyone has intrusive thoughts from time to time. Intrusive thoughts are often linked with conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They can be scary, disturbing, violent, sexual, or feel inappropriate to you in some way. They often show up repeatedly and can become more distressing over time. Unwanted intrusive thoughts are thoughts, images, or impulses that get вЂњstuckвЂќ in our brains.

Intrusive thoughts examples