HomeAnswersPsychiatryoverthinkingWhat is the underlying cause of my persistent and repetitive negative thoughts, that are impacting my sleep, studies, and overall well-being?

Can persistent and repetitive thoughts impact my sleep, studies and overall well-being?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Aditya Gupta

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 12, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 20-year-old female. I overthink, particularly about the future. These thoughts keep flooding my mind, making me feel sad and hopeless. I often search the internet for answers and find relief temporarily, but negative thoughts resurface.Despite having a supportive and understanding husband, I repeatedly ask him the same questions, seeking reassurance. It does not take long for the anxiety to return. This is affecting my sleep and makes me lose interest in my studies. Moreover, I am excessively concerned about my health, which leads me to repeatedly ask the same health-related questions, trying to find comfort and reassurance. I am not sure why I need to ask these questions repeatedly, but it is causing significant distress in my life. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Aditya Gupta

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your first query consult is on us!

I suggest that you screen yourself for OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). You can do a self-rating test like the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, which you can easily find in the internet. If the results suggest the possibility of OCD, consulting a psychiatrist in person for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment is essential. I also suggest you take a self-rating test for depression, such as Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale, which is also available in the internet. Incorporating daily relaxation exercises like deep breathing, for at least half an hour can be beneficial.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Investigations to be done

Investigations to be done are the Yale-Brown Obsessive-compulsive scale Zung's Self-Rating Depression scale

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis is

1. OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)

2. MDD (major depressive disorder)

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Aditya Gupta
Dr. Aditya Gupta

Psychiatry

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