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Constantly Thinking Disorder: is it a real thing?

220 Answers
Last Updated: 06/12/2022 at 4:13am
Constantly Thinking Disorder: is it a real thing?
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Jill Kapil, PsyD

Psychologist

I have over 9 years of clinical experience, specialize in anxiety, and am passionate about my work. My approach is collaborative, empathic, supportive, and goal-oriented.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous - Expert in Anxiety
January 21st, 2016 11:57am
The human imagination is a very powerful thing. Constantly thinking, or obsessively thinking can drive oneself into a dark hole. So yes, I do believe it is a real thing. I also believe I've experienced and am still experiencing this. You get enslaved to your thoughts and they can cause you to isolate yourself out of fear of your own mind. It could cause a person to be stuck thinking about the past and future, fantasizing about what could be, and hyper examining, everything they've done. It's a terrible cycle that is caused by one trying to escape their current situation causing them pain. It could cause you to worry about the future, and make you fear every possible negative affect that could come from anything they feel could lead to failure. I always knew I had this, but never knew it had a name.
ordermysteps
- Expert in Anxiety
February 10th, 2016 3:37am
Yes, i have it very bad at times. For example, i will sit in bed and try to relax, but can't because my brain won't stop thinking about things. Other times, i will have obbssesive thoughts and have yet to find a way to stop that.
cersyanne
June 3rd, 2016 9:01pm
I myself suffer GAD and it is real thing. GAD is a horrible voice in your head which makes you think the worst of everything and can ruin you if you do not recognise the signs. I have suffered for 45 years, but didnt recognise my problem until recently and now I have admitted I need help before if ruins me.
SakuraSkye
February 27th, 2016 8:38pm
I think it is, I tend to overthink things, and then I panic about it. I often spend hours awake in bed thinking about things that have happened, or things that might happen, or things I think could happen but very likely won't. It isn't enjoyable, and it makes anxiety levels worse, but it is difficult to stop.
Cheeney
January 17th, 2016 7:35pm
It's not a disorder, though it can be extremely hard to deal with. Thinking is a big part of what makes us human, but as with all things, we tend to overdo it, getting lost in our never ending thoughts. If you have a disorder like ADD or an anxiety disorder you're more prone to overthinking. In that way, you can view overthinking more of a symptom than an actual disorder. Though like I said, overthinking is also completely natural and part of being human. Mindfulness is a great way to quiet your mind if you're looking for one.
Santana
January 24th, 2016 7:52pm
It's called Obsessive thinking disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder, OBT is a type of anxiety disorder, that enslaves a person in a vicious cycle of thoughts and behavior.
prettykittiess
February 17th, 2016 12:07am
Yes. Or at least in my own experience it is. My boyfriend is constantly overthinking everything all the time and he'll go days without sleeping because he's thinking about everything ALL OF THE TIME. So I try to take his mid off of it by just talking to him about his issues and it seems to really help. :)
Anonymous
January 30th, 2016 3:52am
While I am unfamiliar with there being a disorder by the name of "Constantly Thinking Disorder," I don't want you to feel like your feelings are invalidated just because you can't assign a label to what you're going through. You may be suffering through some obsessive tendencies or anxiety; I would recommend speaking with your primary care physician for further information on helping to alleviate your fears and get you help if you need it. It's normal for people to be thinking "constantly" throughout the day, but what matters is that your thoughts may be interfering with your quality of life, which makes it a symptom. So, while "constantly thinking disorder" is not a real thing, your feelings are, and that's the most important thing.
MahaNefelibata
October 22nd, 2016 5:33pm
Is it just constant thinking you experience? Do you experience unwanted thoughts that make you anxious?
YourCaringFriend987
January 27th, 2016 12:00pm
we all think about something or the other all the time... but if we worry about things all the time then it might be anxiety disorder...
caringCat86
August 12th, 2017 9:00pm
I've never heard over thinking described as a disorder, however it certainly contributes a lot to people's mental health problems. I have been an over thinker, my mind cluttered with mainly negative thinking. I thought that everybody was like that, but then I discovered that there are ways of calming the mind and making it a much more peaceful place. A lot of the mental chatter is negative thinking and this fuels a very negative frame of mind often. Much of it is either worry about the past or future, or other negative emotions like anger or negative self thoughts. If we allow ourselves to engage in this type of thinking our mind becomes a very dark and confusing place. Thoughts are like trains; they will set off in one direction and can take us down very dark and fearful tracks. By noticing one's thoughts, we can stop those negative thought trains and instead choose to think more positive thoughts, or even to listen to the silence that happens when a thought train is brought to a halt.. I'm thankful to those who helped me to see that its not the only way to be. We can alter our thinking patterns by consciously witnessing our thoughts and choosing to think more positive ones, or better still, to think fewer thoughts. I often joke with people that ;thinking is something I try not to do if at all possible'! Most of my thoughts were garbage anyway and really not helpful. If you realise that your ;thoughts are negative, try to halt them. See that particular 'thought train hitting the buffers. Change your thoughts to something positive. Enjoy what you are doing now! Smell the flowers, admire the view and think about something you enjoy instead. Mostly we run on automatic pilot and don't need a constant mental commentary. We can dispense with that and try to enjoy the silence instead.
Mike8448
January 31st, 2016 2:47pm
There will be people saying it is, and others who will confirm it is. Personally I think it is a real thing. It is as if the brain goes into overdrive and does not seem to be able, or not willing to stop. Maybe it is even an addiction.
Anonymous
May 20th, 2016 12:58am
Obsessive thinking disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder, that enslaves a person in a vicious cycle of thoughts and behavior.
Fenixashes37
February 13th, 2016 12:01pm
That's what makes us human. We have thoughts and conscious in our brain. We constantly think of good and bad. Chose wisely and be on the right path.
SMStar
July 9th, 2016 7:27pm
I do not believe this is a real disorder, just a large problem amongst most people. I believe it falls under anxiety and relates as a symptom: over thinking, excessive thinking, constant thinking, etc. But it, in itself, is not a disorder.
Thecalmwave87
April 22nd, 2017 11:22am
I fully believe constantly thinking disorder is a thing! In fact, I'd say I'm a sufferer! My mind is constantly thinking and I find it very hard to switch off. Finding activities that relax helps. Exercise etc. I love horse riding, because it takes my mind off what im overthinking as I'm focusing on the task in hand. It really helps me relax ☺️
AnOriginalName
July 28th, 2016 5:38am
I think that depends on the way things are being thought. Just worrying is a normal thing; we all encounter that sort of stress. Anxiety/social anxiety is that too in a way, constantly running a bunch of scenarios through your head relating to something possibly in your future, every single scenario being some different way you could mess up or how things could go wrong. OCD is a disorder involving constantly thinking that can result in anxiety, mostly stemming from a sort of inferiority complex and a bit of paranoia that things done outside of certain routines you've established will somehow negatively affect you the way of bad luck at some point down the line, like thinking you have to take a certain number of steps up a stairway so you count them all down, or having to finish your food in only so many bites. It can also result in a sort of fixation or phobia, like a fear of germs to the point of not wanting to be touched, hence the "Obsessive" in OCD.
ChitChatBug
January 15th, 2016 12:50am
I'm not a doctor by any means, but as long as your alive and breathing, you're constantly thinking. Finding the secret to compartmentalize and direct those thoughts is a whole other animal.
Aquadreamer4151
April 6th, 2016 4:19pm
it is not classified as a disorder in the DSM-V but the inability to quite the mind is a symptom in other disorders
Anonymous
January 21st, 2016 12:38pm
I really don't know but if it affects one's day to day life then they should go to a therapist or a doctor
LatAnOpenEar225
July 9th, 2016 2:42am
No, however anxiety or panic disorder could lead to constantly over thinking things through. It's not uncommon in people struggling with this!
Anonymous
May 30th, 2018 1:14am
I believe that I'm a planner by nature so I am constantly thinking about my life and I am looking at my schedule to see what I need to do and my brain never stops in short yes I do believe that it is real.
Anonymous
April 3rd, 2016 9:43am
I guess so. Because it happens with me, a lot. I can't help it.. However hard I try. It is very hard for me to concentrate on studies or anything else that is important.
rachsxo
March 27th, 2016 3:36am
Constantly Thinking Disorder is a form of generalized anxiety. When one thinks too much, it can be distracting to them to the point that they can't concentrate. Clearing your mind by reading, listening to music, or watching a TV show or movie are good methods of relaxation for those who over think.
CassandraLouise
October 23rd, 2016 4:49pm
I do think our minds can go into over drive mode. Over thinking things can lead to anxiety and all other types of problems. The ability to relax and switch off completely is more difficult for some.
Anonymous
February 11th, 2016 10:29am
Well if it was a thing then said have it myself. I dont think that it really is a disorder. Constantly thinking means your brain functions properly and you get to use it well.
Imalwayshereforyoux
February 27th, 2016 12:59pm
Depends on how you interpret this. people think all the time about everything, but if its about a specific thing all the time, then it might be a real thing
Tan18677051
April 29th, 2018 11:20am
If there is no medical evidence to suggest that "Thinking Disorder" is a mental illness then it's definitely not a real thing.
Anonymous
February 14th, 2016 3:48pm
I don't think that constantly thinking is a disorder. I think that this is rather a symptom of anxiety. Constantly over thinking and worrying is a characteristic of a disorder, but not a disorder itself.
Belbelbel
June 11th, 2016 1:42pm
There's no diagnosis connected to this. Nonetless, illnesses like OCD or generalized anxiety disorder is about overthinking, amongst many others.