What's the link between my ADHD mind and racing thoughts?
Are you always having multiple thoughts and imaginations running through your mind? Sometimes, these thoughts take a toll of you and your activeness. Relax, we’ll take a look at some healthy measures to help suppress this phase. You will be perfectly fine soon!
Racing thoughts, also known as "rumination," is a common symptom experienced by individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This phenomenon refers to a rapid succession of thoughts that are difficult to control or slow down, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, and confusion.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to focus, concentrate, and manage impulsiveness. The symptoms of ADHD can vary from person to person, but many individuals experience racing thoughts as part of the condition. To better focus and keep your thoughts engaged, do well to get ADHD-friendly materials; they have been medically tested and proven to be effective.
Can ADHD Result In Racing Thoughts?
Self-regulation can be difficult for people with ADHD because of the way their brains are wired. ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental condition. This frequently manifests as emotional reactivity, emotional impulsivity, and emotional instability for many people.
Fast-moving thoughts and other ADHD symptoms can also be brought on by self-regulation difficulties.
Billy Roberts, a certified independent social worker from Columbus, Ohio, says that, this indicates that the frontal lobe of the brain has difficulty controlling many facets of the nervous system.
According to him, this could appear as excessive motor activity (a problem with bodily regulation) or an overactive mind (difficulty regulating thoughts). Therefore, those who have an overactive mind could frequently experience racing thoughts.
So, what's the link between racing thoughts and ADHD? Let's explore further.
Causes Of Racing Thoughts And ADHD
Overactive Brain
One of the main causes of racing thoughts in individuals with ADHD is an overactive brain. People with ADHD tend to have a higher level of activity in the areas of the brain responsible for attention and decision-making, leading to a constant stream of thoughts that are difficult to control. This over activity in the brain can also lead to a lack of focus, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity, all of which are common symptoms of ADHD.
Impaired Executive Functions
ADHD also affects executive functions, which are the cognitive processes responsible for regulating attention, behavior, and emotions. When these functions are impaired, individuals with ADHD may struggle to control their thoughts, leading to racing thoughts and difficulty relaxing.
For example, an individual with ADHD may have difficulty switching their focus from one task to another, leading to a constant barrage of thoughts about different tasks, which can be difficult to slow down.
Stress and Anxiety
Racing thoughts can also be a side effect of stress and anxiety, which are common in individuals with ADHD. When a person experiences stress or anxiety, their thoughts can race, leading to feelings of overwhelm and confusion.
In individuals with ADHD, stress and anxiety can also exacerbate symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention, making it even more difficult to control racing thoughts.
Medication Side Effects
Some medications used to treat ADHD, such as stimulants, can also cause racing thoughts as a side effect. This can occur because these medications increase the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to increased brain activity and a rapid succession of thoughts.
It's important to note that not everyone who takes medication for ADHD will experience racing thoughts, but if you do, it's important to speak to your doctor about possible alternative treatments.
Practices To Suppress Racing Thoughts Relative To ADHD
So, what do you do if you are experiencing racing thoughts as a result of ADHD? Here are some safe practices that can help:
Mindfulness And Meditation
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help individuals with ADHD calm their racing thoughts and reduce stress levels. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and improving focus, making it a great way to manage racing thoughts.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve mental clarity. Regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on ADHD symptoms by reducing hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention. It also helps to release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Plan to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, several times a week to reap the benefits.
Get Adequate Sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial for good mental and physical health. People with ADHD often have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, which can exacerbate symptoms and make it difficult to concentrate and manage impulses.
To ensure you get adequate sleep, establish a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Psychoeducation
Thoughts that race through your head are a symptom of ADHD, so understanding them might help them feel less frightening or irritating.
A licensed psychologist from Manhattan named Dr. Francyne Zeltser explains that understanding ADHD helps raise symptom awareness, which can make people with the disorder feel more focused and deliberate with their thinking.
Furthermore, she adds, "psychoeducation illuminates resilience aspects that enable people to feel more in control of their symptoms, which in turn enhances their daily functioning and general emotional well-being."
Summary: ADHD and Racing thoughts link
Due to the distinct self-regulation mechanisms in your brain, ADHD can cause racing thoughts as a mental manifestation of restlessness. While an ADHD busy mind can persist for an hour, a day, or even a few days, it is commonly mistaken for racing thoughts in bipolar disorder. Compared to hypomania, it lasts less time and manifests more frequently.
Self-education regarding ADHD, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques can all help you stop your daily life from being hampered by racing thoughts. However, you might want to think about talking with a mental health expert about treatment alternatives if you are having trouble controlling your racing thoughts.