Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, often distressing images or ideas that can feel strange, but they happen to almost everyone at times. Most of the time, they do not have a specific meaning, especially ...

Intrusive thoughts are a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition in which a person experiences involuntary obsessions and compulsions that may cause distress.

Everyone has passing intrusive thoughts that seem to come from outside their control: The content may feel alien, absurd, or threatening, and may pass after a few weird moments. Intrusive thoughts can ...