Is overthinking a mental illness

Random thinking may not necessarily be a mental illness, it could be a normal psychological phenomenon, or it could be related to certain mental illnesses. Random thoughts may be caused by psychological stress, anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation in a timely manner.

1. Psychological stress

Short term delusions are usually related to psychological stress, such as heavy work and study burdens, tense interpersonal relationships, etc. This type of situation can be alleviated through relaxation training, adjusting daily routines, and counseling, without the need for special treatment. In case of insomnia or depression, traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Anshen Bunao Ye and Zaoren Anshen Capsule can be used for short-term adjustment as instructed by doctors.

2. Anxiety disorders

Patients with generalized anxiety disorder often experience uncontrollable overthinking, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations and sweating. It may be related to genetics or long-term stress. Antianxiety drugs such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets and escitalopram oxalate tablets are commonly used in clinical practice, combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy to improve symptoms. Parents should pay attention to the emotional changes of adolescent patients and avoid excessive pressure.

3. Depression

Negative thinking that occurs during a depressive episode belongs to pathological delusions, often accompanied by decreased interest and self denial. The onset of the disease is related to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, and it is necessary to use antidepressants such as fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules and olanzapine tablets in a standardized manner. It is recommended that family members assist patients in establishing a regular lifestyle and supplement foods rich in tryptophan, such as milk and bananas, appropriately.

4. Obsessive Compulsive Thinking

Obsessive thinking is characterized by recurrent invasive thoughts that patients often cannot control. The pathogenesis involves dysfunction of the basal ganglia of the brain, and treatment requires the combination of drugs such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets and fluvoxamine tablets with exposure therapy. Mindfulness meditation can reduce rumination in daily life.

5. Schizophrenia

Delusional thinking is a typical symptom, and patients may develop bizarre thoughts that are detached from reality. It is closely related to dopamine system dysfunction and requires long-term use of antipsychotic drugs such as olanzapine tablets and risperidone oral solution. Early intervention is crucial for improving prognosis, and family members should assist patients in insisting on follow-up visits.

Maintaining regular exercise, such as aerobic exercise three times a week, can help alleviate mental disorders and increase the intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish and nuts. If delusions persist for more than 2 weeks and affect social functioning, or are accompanied by hallucinations or abnormal behavior, immediate medical attention should be sought at a psychiatric department. Daily life can be diverted by writing diaries and cultivating hobbies to avoid excessive self-examination.