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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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United States
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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
plushPicture89
September 1st, 2016 12:44pm
It is not a disorder, however it can be very difficult to deal with. We all have our times when we need abit of space from eveyone and thats ok! Sometimes we just need me time
brightJoy72
September 3rd, 2016 1:15am
logically we are all constantly thinkingevwn if it's on a sub conscious level which we may or may not have a lot of power to control. I do not believe something we cannot fully control is a disorder. It just is!
alexsws
September 7th, 2016 4:23am
This is a real thing because I think I suffer from it. People can think themselves into a bad mood and they can also think of unrealistic scenarios that don't exist and cause them to act indifferent to others
AdmirableTree
September 9th, 2016 3:27pm
If you believe your mind is a unruly place to be then perhaps measured action through mental health practices is a wise thing to pursue. Whether its a problem others have, its certainly something thats difficult for you. Seeking help when you think you need it is a sign of strength.
Anonymous
September 22nd, 2016 7:15pm
It is not a real disorder, but your feelings are still valid. I would go to a mental health professional or a trusted adult to talk about what you are experiencing because you deserve to get help for the problems you are facing
SolarisAntares
October 1st, 2016 3:19am
While, no, the Diagnostic and Statistical manual doesn't have a 'constantly thinking disorder' It can be challenging when we have thoughts that distract us from being able to do the things we enjoy doing. For some people who find it difficult to shut off their thoughts, particularly before bed, some mindfulness strategies can help shape the thoughts in a more productive direction.
Anonymous
October 6th, 2016 9:27am
Hey, I think that constantly thinking negative thought can be extremely detrimental to an individual
Anonymous
October 12th, 2016 7:25pm
Yes it is a real thing and I believe that we can overcome this disorder together and get through it together
safesecrets79
October 16th, 2016 2:07am
I believe so. I do it sometimes when I have too much on my plate. If you eliminate worry, thinking too much can be minimized
Anonymous
October 19th, 2016 11:04pm
Maybe... If you can't seem to look it up or get a 100% answer, you could try talking to your doctor...
Anonymous
November 13th, 2016 1:55am
Some people have a lot of trouble to "disconnect". Their brains seem to always be engaged to an idea or particular situation. Meditation can help quiet things in your mind a little, as well as listening to music or focusing on simple tasks like coloring or making lists.
Hikushi
February 1st, 2017 4:04am
Depends on the definition. There is anxiety, which can cause overthinking and such which is not good.
RainbowAtHeart
February 3rd, 2017 1:56am
There are certainly disorders that involve over thinking things, although which one you may have would depend upon other symptoms. Often disorders such as OCD and anxiety involve over thinking things, or attempting to analyze them.
Anonymous
March 3rd, 2017 11:46pm
It's not a disorder or at least it's not defined as one. It's more like when a person is unable to stop thinking and can't possibly have a calm state of mind. Can be considered as a symptom of ADD or ADHD. More like a hyperactive brain receiving too much energy and working too hard so that the person is more likely and is more often mentally and emotionally exhausted. People use extensive methods to keep a control of their minds, from alcohol and drugs to meditation and music. It's definitely a real thing and people do get affected by it but I don't think we can go as far as to say that it's a disorder. PS: I have it.
tinybeebee
March 10th, 2017 2:33am
Well, as living humans, we are bound to think constantly otherwise there would be a problem haha! We cannot turn off our brains and just have peace and quiet... even when we sleep, we are thinking! We tend to think a lot when we are under stress or when we are bored and devoid of mental stimulation. I am not sure what it would mean in the context of a disorder, but I am sure some people are more prone to rumination and excessive dwelling on certain thoughts.
Anonymous
March 11th, 2017 2:30pm
Well... Yes and no. By itself, I don't believe that is a real disorder, no. However, constantly thinking can be attributed to various other things - ADHD for example. The people on 7cups can't help diagnose you as (most) of us aren't trained professionals, however if this is an issue that is bothering you and causing distress, it may be worth mentioning to a therapist who could help you find out what's causing it.
Anonymous
April 19th, 2017 5:47pm
With my limited knowledge and not being a doctor, I believe so - and I too suffer from it, the brain not wanting to just shut up.
Col312
April 27th, 2017 1:09pm
No! Every living human being is constantly thinking, so by definition it is not a disorder. However, when we become stuck in ruminative thoughts that trigger chronically negative mood states, this can lead to a particular type of suffering that we could choose to label as a disorder. But constantly thinking is not a problem in and of itself.
Thanks4Calling
May 17th, 2017 10:44am
Stress causes over thinking. It can be carried from childhood. Concerns about anything and everything that worry a person. The only relief may be when all is going well. Even then some may worry that this will not continue. I consider it to be a learned habit especially if constant calamities in life have burdened a person. They learn to expect setbacks, let downs and upsets and their brain cannot rest easy even at night their dreams or nightmares may be trying to find an answer to their constant concerns and fears.
Anonymous
June 11th, 2017 3:02pm
This is considered a symptom of a larger mental health condition such as anxiety. It is called Rumination whereby an individual thinks obsessively over one particular issue.
Anonymous
July 5th, 2017 11:27pm
We think every second of the day we're awake. How would it be considered a disorder? Over-thinking things may be a sign of some other psychological problems, but isn't 'constantly thinking'.
PieceoftheUniverse
August 21st, 2017 6:56pm
It's not an official disorder and you will not be able to find it in the DSM or in another manual that diagnoses disorders. But constant thinking could possibly be a consequence of another underlying disorder which leads to excessive thinking. Think about disorders like ADD (a lack of the ability to focus + an overactive mind), general anxiety (eccessively worrying about things till the point that it becomes dysfunctional in your daily life) etc. But hey, it does not have neccessarily be a disorder. Most people seem to live in the now and are fine with that. When you have thoughts constantly running through your head you might think that you have a disorder because you seem so different from the people around you. But it could as well be that your mind is just really well suited for science/philosophy/art etc. So you might even be proud of it!
OCDLena
November 8th, 2017 3:59pm
While Constantly thinking disorder is not real, there are very many disorders characterized by Over-thinking, including many anxiety disorders. Remember, overthinking is normal sometimes, but when it starts to affect your daily life and you can't function normally, that is when it becomes a problem.
mySong
November 8th, 2017 8:16pm
I think it falls under general anxiety disorder if I remember correctly; where a person excessively thinks about everything basically, worrying themselves to much. I, myself, suffer with this to some degree. Thinking if I studied enough for an exam, was polite enough to the person I passed earlier today, seemingly basic stuff that most people won't really obsess over. So, yes, it a real thing. Doesn't go by that name to my knowledge but it's something that people can suffer with.
Anonymous
November 9th, 2017 10:07am
humans are always constantly thinking. It's not necessarily a disorder just because some people have thoughts overflowing in their brain constantly. In my experience there are times when my mind is racing, and times when I cannot muster a thought at all.
Indieair
November 9th, 2017 2:36pm
I haven't heard about it as a mental illness, but it can be real though. Maybe it is just a part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or just overthinking in general.
Anonymous
December 28th, 2017 7:24am
This is a very real thing. I myself dealt with this when I was around 13, and it consumed me every night as I lay in bed thinking again and again about how I could have done things differently during the day. I feel like people should be more aware that people struggle with this form of anxiety, and that everyone can accept those who face Constantly Thinking Disorder.
Morris310
January 10th, 2018 11:05am
I think it is. I also think that it is linked with anxiety related disorders. Because when you have anxiety you can't stop thinking about anything even the small ones like if you locked the door before leaving or if you had said the right thing to a particular person that had happened months ago. Anxiety makes you worry and worry makes you think constantly
Anonymous
January 19th, 2018 5:34am
I wouldn't say this is a disorder, because your always thinking, somtimes I have conversations with myself in my head, I have this whole character maid up! It's not a disorder though it's very much normal.
CareNow
January 25th, 2018 3:06am
Too much thinking happens when you are rarely in the flow. The flow is described as a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter.