Skip to content
HeyPsych
Thoughts & Perceptions

Intrusive Thoughts

Unwanted, distressing thoughts, images, or urges that pop into your mind uninvited and feel contrary to who you are or what you want.

  • “why do I have disturbing thoughts”
  • “thoughts I don't want to have”
  • “can't stop terrible thoughts”
  • “scary thoughts out of nowhere”

Also called unwanted thoughts, disturbing thoughts, thoughts I can't control, scary thoughts, bad thoughts.

Can be part of

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and 1 more

Not always mental health

4 other possible causes, like most people experience intrusive thoughts occasionally without them being problematic

Get help if

Intrusive thoughts cause significant distress

What it can look like

Everyday moments people describe.

Some people describe sudden, vivid images of harm coming to loved ones, even though they would never want anything bad to happen.

Where it can come from

Many things can cause this. Only a clinician can tell which applies to you.

Intrusive Thoughts in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Intrusive thoughts become obsessions when they cause significant distress and lead to compulsive behaviors or mental rituals.

How clinicians describe it

  • “Obsessions: recurrent, persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted”
About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Often comes with

When to get help

  • When intrusive thoughts cause significant distress
  • When you spend a lot of time trying to neutralize or suppress them
  • When they're affecting your daily functioning
  • When you're avoiding activities because of the thoughts
Find a psychiatristIn crisis? Call or text 988Explore other symptoms

General information about a common experience, not a diagnosis or medical advice. What you are going through may have many explanations; a qualified professional can help you understand yours. Reviewed 2025-01-15.