Intrusive Thought

An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. When paired with obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome, depression, autism, body dysmorphic disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, such thoughts may become paralyzing, anxiety-provoking or persistent, and they may also be associated with episodic memory or with unwanted worries and memories that arise in post-traumatic stress disorder, other anxiety disorders, eating disorders or psychosis. Intrusive thoughts, urges and images that occur are of inappropriate things at inappropriate times, and generally carry aggressive or sexual themes.