General practice·General practice
Racing thoughts
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Racing thoughts are when your mind jumps quickly from one idea to another, making it hard to focus, relax, or sleep. It feels like your brain is running a marathon without stopping.
Key facts
- Racing thoughts are a symptom, not a diagnosis.
- They can be part of anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or stress.
- With the right support, most people can learn to manage racing thoughts.
Yes, many people experience racing thoughts at some point, especially during stressful times. It is especially common in people with anxiety or mood disorders.
Racing thoughts can affect anyone – children, teens, adults, and older adults. They are more common in people with a family history of anxiety or bipolar disorder.