What’s the Difference Between Intrusive and Impulsive Thoughts?

While it’s common to have random thoughts pop into your head from time to time, it can be concerning if they become persistent, disruptive, and unwanted. 

These types of thoughts are often broken down into two categories: intrusive and impulsive. Although both types can feel overwhelming at times, they’re very different from each other when it comes to how they can affect your behavior.

To better understand the differences between intrusive and impulsive thoughts, let’s take a look at what they are, some common examples of each, and how they can be treated.

What Are Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts are unsettling thoughts that seem to come out of nowhere. Many people describe them as extreme, and the mental imagery or internal commentary that comes with them can be disturbing, inappropriate, or distressing.

What makes intrusive thoughts concerning is that they don’t fit the usual thought patterns for the person receiving them. They can make someone question their mental stability and character, as these thoughts don’t align with their personal morals or values.

Although anyone can get intrusive thoughts, certain mental health conditions, like OCD, can make them much worse. Intrusive thoughts are a hallmark symptom of OCD, and they often drive the need to perform compulsive behaviors as a way to relieve the stress they cause.

Read our related article for more signs and symptoms of OCD.

Intrusive Thoughts Examples

The most common form of intrusive thoughts are doubting thoughts. Doubting thoughts mean thinking that you’re doing a task at hand or a part of life “incorrectly”. For example, you may doubt that you actually turned off the stove, if other people really like you, or if you’re falling behind in life.

Other types of intrusive thoughts can involve:

• Contamination, or germs and uncleanliness
• Violent or aggressive acts
• Harm or accidents
• Blasphemy or conceptions against your religion
• Sexual acts

While some types of intrusive thoughts can seem more extreme than others, any type can become severe and have a profound effect on someone’s life. Whether you struggle with doubting thoughts or disturbing mental images, both forms are equally valid and can affect your mental and emotional well-being.

Intrusive Thoughts Treatments

Intrusive thoughts are a part of life, and they will never go away. That being said, some techniques can help you manage them and mitigate the impact that they have on your life.

When you experience an intrusive thought, it’s important not to dwell on it. Let it fade away just as quickly as it arrived. After it goes away, remind yourself that it doesn’t represent who you are or what you actually want.

If you feel like your intrusive thoughts are a symptom of a mental health disorder, it’s important to consult a mental health professional. They can help you receive an accurate diagnosis and get the treatment you need to manage them effectively.

Read our related article for more information on how to deal with intrusive thoughts.

What Are Impulsive Thoughts?

Impulsive thoughts are urges or desires to take action without considering the consequences. These thoughts are usually driven by heightened emotions or instant gratification, and they’re often at the root of impulsive behaviors.  

Unlike intrusive thoughts, impulsive thoughts are often rooted in reality and aligned with the person that has them. Although they’re not disturbing or distressing, impulsive thoughts can still be extremely disruptive to daily life, especially when they lead to impulsive actions.

Similar to intrusive thoughts, impulsive thoughts can affect anyone. However, they can be particularly severe in those that have ADHD or borderline personality disorder (BPD). In those with ADHD, impulsive thoughts are often linked to executive dysfunction. In those with BPD, impulsive thoughts can be linked to emotional dysregulation.

Impulsive Thoughts Examples

One of the most common types of impulsive thoughts is the urge to speak without thinking, especially when emotions are running high. For example, you may interrupt someone when they’re speaking about something you’re excited about, or you may say something you don’t mean when you’re in a heated argument.

Other types of impulsive thoughts can involve:

• Making sudden purchases
• Quitting your job spontaneously
• Engaging in risky behaviors, like reckless driving
• Breaking up with your partner in the heat of the moment
• Self-harming 
• Using substances or relapsing

Some impulsive thoughts can be innocent, while others can be more harmful or reckless. If you notice that they are negatively impacting your daily life, then it’s a sign that they should be taken seriously.

Read our related article to discover how to help someone who self-harms.

Impulsive Thoughts Treatments

If you’re experiencing impulsive thoughts that lead to harmful behaviors, then you should seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you uncover where these thoughts are coming from and teach you how to address them in a healthier way. 

Certain therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you identify and overcome the impulsive thoughts that lead to harmful behaviors. CBT works by establishing a connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This helps you create healthier thoughts that, in return, lead to healthier emotions and behaviors.

If your impulsive thoughts are a symptom of an overarching mental health condition, then certain medications can also help manage them. Medications can help those with ADHD by focusing their thoughts, and it can help those with BPD by regulating their emotions.

Read our related article to answer the question: How long does therapy last?

Reclaim Your Peace of Mind at Inner Balance

When it comes to intrusive and impulsive thoughts, what matters most is how often they occur, how much control you feel over them, and whether they negatively impact your life.

At Inner Balance, we’re here to help you reclaim your peace of mind and live life on your own terms. Our counseling services can help uncover the root of your troubling thoughts and teach you effective strategies for overcoming them.

‍Reach out today to connect with one of our compassionate team members and take the first steps on your healing journey.