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It's characterized by a chronic low mood, including the loss of interest in daily life and persistent sadness.įor example, struggling to fulfill tasks may trigger depression, and negative intrusive thoughts can worsen depression if they center on past mistakes or worries about the future. DepressionĪlso sometimes referred to as MDD, or major depressive disorder, depression is a common comorbidity of ADHD. For example, intrusive thoughts about self-harm can lead to suicide attempts. Intrusive thoughts may cause harmful behaviors and intense emotions. Disordered thinking is a common symptom of BD. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme shifts in mood from low depressive episodes to manic episodes. Bipolar disorderīipolar disorder is a common comorbidity of ADHD. Intrusive thoughts can trigger anxiety, causing someone to obsess over their ideas, which can lead to a deterioration of emotional and physical health over time. For example, a parent may have intrusive thoughts about their child's well-being, increasing their anxiety. AnxietyĪnxiety is excessive worry about everyday situations. In addition, recurring negative intrusive thoughts may also further the risk of comorbidities. The ADHD comorbidities listed below can be caused by repetitive, intrusive thoughts or - like in the case of OCD - intrusive thoughts may be a primary symptom of the condition. For example, depression and autism are two of the most common comorbidities of ADHD. 4 Which ADHD comorbidities are also related to intrusive thoughts?Ĭomorbid conditions are conditions that co-occur in one person. Difficulty in these areas can open the door to persistent intrusive thoughts. 3ĪDHD brain structure affects decision-making, working memory, and reasoning, specifically in the prefrontal cortex. Executive dysfunction is thought to be caused by a slower development of neurons, which decreases information processing speed in the areas of the brain that regulate behavior, focus, and reward. Acknowledging thoughts and then releasing them can help decrease their strength and frequency.ĪDHD impacts cognitive, behavioral, and motivational brain functions, often referred to as 'executive dysfunction'.Frequent and overwhelming intrusive thoughts are common in people with ADHD, OCD, and autism.It's normal to experience intrusive thoughts on occasion.It's not uncommon to have intrusive thoughts, but frequently experiencing them may be a symptom of your ADHD (if you have ADHD) or possibly something else. ADHDers-people with ADHD-can also experience intrusive thoughts that are repetitive, distressing, or just flat-out strange. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that's characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty focusing attention.
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