Understanding 'Thought Blocking': Triggers, Symptoms, and Related Factors
Thought blocking, a sudden interruption in speech or thought process, can be a distressing experience. Beyond stress-related causes, this phenomenon can be linked to several neurological and psychiatric conditions, as well as certain medical factors.
Common Causes and Associated Conditions
Psychiatric Disorders
Thought blocking is frequently seen in severe mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These conditions disrupt the organization and flow of thoughts, leading to sudden pauses or interruptions in speech known as thought blocking [3].
Disorganized Thinking due to Brain Dysfunction
Disorganized thought processes, including thought blocking, can arise from impaired executive functioning in the brain. This impairment can be caused by brain injuries or neurodegenerative processes that disrupt coherent thought flow [3].
Exposure to Dopamine Receptor Blocking Agents
Long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications, especially those that block dopamine D2 receptors, can lead to neurological side effects and contribute indirectly to cognitive issues and interruptions in thought processes [1].
Medical Conditions Causing Brain Fatigue or Impairment
Various medical issues such as metabolic/endocrine disorders (e.g., anemia, diabetes, hormonal imbalances), chronic illnesses, or neurological conditions can cause cognitive fatigue that may manifest as thought blocking [4].
Mental Fatigue and Burnout
Chronic high stress, overwhelming workload, job dissatisfaction, significant life events, and chronic illness can cause mental exhaustion beyond simple tiredness, leading to decreased cognitive function and thought blocking [2][4].
Other causes may include the use of certain prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, corticosteroids, some heart medications, and some Parkinson's medications, as well as alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs [3]. Physical injury or illness, such as very high fever, poisoning, head injuries, or stroke, can also cause thought blocking [2].
Seeking Help
If a person is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, such as believing that others are conspiring against them, seeing, feeling, or hearing things that are not there, or having suicidal thoughts, they need professional help immediately [3]. In the United States, resources such as the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, Befrienders Worldwide, and local emergency services numbers can provide support for those experiencing a mental health crisis [3].
Treatment Options
Treatment for thought blocking often involves managing the underlying condition causing the issue. This can include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, rehabilitation, family education, peer counseling or group therapy, substance misuse treatment, illness management skill classes or groups, and neurofeedback [1].
Prevalence
In the United States, around 100,000 young people experience psychosis every year, and up to 3 in 100 people will experience it in their lifetime [3]. Trauma, such as abuse or intense loss, can also contribute to the development of psychosis and thought blocking [2].
Associated Mental Health Conditions
Other mental health conditions associated with types of psychosis include delirium, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, aphasia, severe depression, schizoaffective disorder, postpartum depression, delusional disorder, certain personality disorders, traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, and other conditions or factors that can cause or increase the risk of psychosis or mental health conditions [3].
Bipolar disorder can also cause psychosis, although it seems to disrupt mood more than thought [3]. Rarely, taking some over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, or cold or flu medications, can cause thought blocking [3].
In conclusion, thought blocking is a complex issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. Understanding these causes can help individuals and healthcare professionals provide appropriate support and treatment for those experiencing this symptom.
- Pursuing health-and-wellness practices, such as stress management techniques and maintaining a balanced diet, can potentially aid in the mitigation of thought blocking associated with mental fatigue and burnout.
- Postnatal mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, and women experiencing symptoms of psychosis, including thought blocking, after childbirth should seek immediate medical attention to address postpartum mental health concerns.
