Thought insertion is a type of delusional disorder in which a person believes that their thoughts are not their own, but instead, are being inserted into their mind by an external source. This disorder is a form of psychosis and is often related to other mental health issues, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The exact cause of thought insertion is unknown, though it is likely to be related to changes in brain chemistry or structure. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatments of thought insertion.
Symptoms of thought insertion can vary from person to person, but generally include feeling like one’s thoughts are not their own, believing that an external force or person is inserting thoughts into the mind, feeling like one’s thoughts are being monitored or controlled, and feeling like one’s thoughts are being read or predicted. Sometimes, individuals with thought insertion may also experience auditory and visual hallucinations. These symptoms can be distressing and can interfere with daily life.
The exact cause of thought insertion is not known, though it is likely to be related to changes in brain chemistry or structure. It is thought that these changes may be due to genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Other mental health issues, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can also contribute to the development of thought insertion.
Treatment for thought insertion typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medications such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers can help to reduce the symptoms of thought insertion. Psychotherapy can also be beneficial, helping individuals to process and cope with their symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be especially helpful, as it can help individuals to challenge and change their distorted beliefs about thought insertion.
In conclusion, thought insertion is a type of delusional disorder in which a person believes that their thoughts are not their own, but instead, are being inserted into their mind by an external source. The exact cause of this disorder is unknown, though it is likely to be related to changes in brain chemistry or structure. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Fink, M., & Taylor, M. A. (2020). Delusional Disorders. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459358/
Kumar, P., Makwana, N., & Tripathi, A. (2015). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for delusional disorders: A systematic review. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 37(2), 186–190. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.155983