Understanding and Treating Distorted Thinking Disorders
What Is Distorted Thinking?
Distorted thinking, also known as a thought disorder, is a pattern of exaggerated thoughts that are not rooted in reality. For example, a person with a thought disorder could catastrophize, always assuming the worst will happen.
These persistent, irrational thoughts can disrupt how you perceive information and process your thoughts, often leading to confusion and overwhelming stress.
Recognizing distorted thinking is the first step toward seeking appropriate treatment, like what we offer here at Healthy U.
Symptoms of Distorted Thinking Disorders
Thought disorders can appear in various ways and could be linked to other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. Symptoms of thought disorders include:
- Racing, intrusive thoughts
- Persistent delusions
- Difficulty distinguishing between real and imagined experiences
- Increasing feelings of paranoia or anxiety
As well as several kinds of speech difficulties, such as:
- Alogia: Trouble forming responses
- Blocking: Sudden interruptions in the train of thought or speech
- Circumstantiality: Offering irrelevant or excessive details before reaching a point
- Clanging: Choosing to use words based on sound instead of meaning
- Derailment: Frequent shifts to unrelated topics mid-conversation
- Echolalia: Repeating words and phrases heard from others
- Incoherence: Nonsensical speech
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these speech difficulties, you may be dealing with a thought disorder. Our licensed clinicians can review your symptoms and ensure you receive a proper diagnosis so that you can begin treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors of Distorted Thinking
While the exact cause of thought disorders is unknown, common risk factors include:
Genetics
A family history of mental health disorders or distorted thinking could increase your chance of developing one.
Trauma
Severe stress or experiencing a traumatic event can contribute to disorganized thoughts or thinking patterns.
Substance Use Disorder
Alcohol and substance use disorders can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Together, we’ll uncover what’s causing your distorted thinking and identify your triggers so that we can create an effective, targeted treatment.
How We Treat Thought Disorders
Treatment for thought disorders focuses on improving cognitive function, managing symptoms, and restoring clarity. That’s achieved through a holistic approach that includes structured talk therapies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when necessary, and unwavering support.
Your customized care plan could include the following:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT for distorted thinking can help you recognize when you’re having irrational thoughts. It can also teach you the tools needed to get those thoughts under control and help you establish healthy coping behaviors.
Through cognitive restructuring techniques, CBT offers practical strategies that not only help you manage distorted thinking but regain control over your thoughts.
Mindfulness Techniques
Through individual or group therapy sessions, you may learn several mindfulness practices that can help you break the cycle of negative thinking. By helping you become more aware of distorted thoughts and patterns, mindfulness techniques can help you build resilience and increase your mental clarity.
Self-Help Strategies for Managing Cognitive Distortions
In addition to your individualized treatment plan that could include:
There are additional steps that may be worth exploring. Self-help for distorted thinking could include journaling, grounding techniques, and healthy lifestyle choices. If you’re interested in learning more about self-help approaches that could complement your treatment program, your Healthy U care team will be happy to review some of the most helpful options.
When to Seek Professional Help
It can be difficult to distinguish between normal bouts of anxiety and a thought disorder. If uncontrollable thoughts are interfering with your daily life and causing you significant stress, you could be dealing with a thought disorder. Seeking assistance from healthcare professionals is essential, not only to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis but to help you get on the road to recovery.
Take the first step toward clear thinking and a healthier mind—connect with Healthy U today.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Treatment Programs
With separate programs for mental health challenges and substance use disorders, you’ll receive the specific care you need to recover.
The first step is a complete, personalized assessment to determine the best approach for U going forward.
In-Network With Major Insurance Providers
Out-of-pocket payment plans (with prompt-pay discounts), HMO, PPO—in an effort to help as many people as possible, we accept many plans and providers.
By choosing an in-network provider like Healthy U, you’ll get more affordable care versus an out-of-network provider.
Out of Network: Kaiser – Single Case Agreements can be arranged
Helpful Information
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