Thought Broadcasting: What Is It & How To Cope With It

What do you call a condition that runs on the belief that your thoughts can be heard by those around you? What do you call a condition that makes people believe that their private thoughts are being broadcast on the TV, radio, or even on the internet?

It is called ‘Thought Broadcasting Disorder’. This condition is normally a symptom of a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. According to Specialists thought broadcasting disorder is a positive symptom of schizophrenia.

In this article, let’s explore more about thought broadcasting disorder, its symptoms, thought broadcasting causes, and its treatment.

Thought Broadcasting Symptoms

Thought broadcasting disorder can be characterized by a feeling that people around you can hear the most private of your thoughts. People with this condition are always in a constant state of distress because of this belief.

Example of Thought Broadcasting:

Let me give you an example; imagine you’re at a public gathering and someone is being rude to you. In your head, you’re thinking that this person is impolite and maybe you’re cursing this person. If you’re dealing with thought broadcasting disorder, then you’re thinking that everyone around you has heard the curse and what you’re thinking of the person.

This thinking is distressing and overwhelming enough that it might make you leave the gathering without enjoying yourself or doing anything.

Each symptom of thought broadcasting disorder is different for each person. Some people might fear that they are speaking their thoughts aloud when they are not doing so. Some people might feel like their thoughts are escaping their minds and are being seen, heard, or read by others near them.

Some people with this condition might also try to communicate their thoughts or engage in telepathic attempts. When they are unable to receive a response of their liking, they might get frustrated, angry, or sad.

Many people with thought broadcasting disorder are more likely to become socially withdrawn and isolated to prevent others from hearing, seeing, or reading their thoughts.

Thought Broadcasting Diagnosis

Usually, this condition is an indicator of a person having an underlying psychotic disorder. But, if a person isn’t exhibiting other symptoms, it can be a little difficult to diagnose. More often than not, thought broadcasting and delusion can be linked with each other.

To understand if someone is dealing with thought broadcasting disorder, you can look for other symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder such as:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Obsessive-compulsive behavior

Suggested Read: Debunking Myths About Schizophrenia

What Causes Thought Broadcasting?

When people around us start judging us, we start doubting our capabilities, lose the vision of our true potential, and dwell in the overthinking loop. This in turn makes us fearful of being judged. Those gazes, those whispers, and those opinions lead to fear of being judged. So today we are going to discuss how you overcome this fear of being judged by others.

Thought broadcasting causes can include psychotic conditions such as:

• Schizophrenia: When a person experiences illogical delusions and a distorted sense of reality.
• Bipolar Disorder: When a person experiences extreme mood swings (from manic to depressed) and delusions.

Thought broadcasting disorder can be a challenging condition that can affect a person’s daily living. People with this condition may also experience:

• Social withdrawal as situations like such can make them feel like their thoughts can be heard by others in their vicinity.
• Poor communication skills as they believe that others can read and hear their thoughts already.
• Anxiety disorders

How To Stop Thought Broadcasting?

Thought broadcasting treatment can include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both:

Psychotherapy: Therapy treatment can help a person form healthy habits and skills to help them control their symptoms.

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Medications: Antipsychotic medications can be prescribed by a doctor to help control the symptoms. As this condition is also one of the symptoms of psychotic disorders, antipsychotic medications can help.

Other things one can do to stop thought broadcasting can include:

• Avoid alcohol or other recreational drugs.
• Maintaining a healthy routine
• Not socially withdrawing or isolating themselves

People with thought broadcasting disorder are not very open with what they are feeling, so if your loved one is struggling with thought broadcasting disorder then talk to them. Get them to open up and try to have an honest, open yet gentle conversation with them.

Remember, thought broadcasting treatment is available. Let your loved ones know that they aren’t alone and that they have your support as well as medical help.

Remember, the fight isn’t easy but you are not standing alone. You have support and help. All you need to do is – ask!

Be well, stay safe.

Online therapy platforms such as Talkspace offer psychiatry help provided by trained and licensed professionals. For more information, you can also write to us at info@calmsage.com.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is thought broadcasting a real thing?

Thought broadcasting is a condition that is often associated with psychiatric conditions, especially schizophrenia. It refers to the belief that your thoughts are being broadcast to others.

From a medical viewpoint, there is no evidence to support the idea that thoughts can be broadcast without spoken or written language. Thought broadcasting is considered a delusion within mental health and psychiatric disorders.

2. Is there a cure for thought broadcasting?

Thought broadcasting is a symptom of schizophrenia. While there isn’t a cure for the condition, treatments such as medication, psychotherapy, and support from professionals can help manage the condition and its symptoms.

If you or a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of thought broadcasting, then it is important to seek professional help who can offer appropriate treatment plans.

3. Can People Hear My Thoughts?

No, others cannot hear your thoughts. Thoughts are an internal mental process that is yours and yours alone. Your thoughts cannot be directly heard by others.

While you might experience the belief that others can hear your thoughts, this perception is often associated with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and delusion.