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Comment by ksaj

9 hours ago

They don't seem to mention if it is elective. An all or nothing mechanism might spell out words that the patient really didn't intend on others seeing (like "Ugh, that guy again! I can't stand the way he...")

It is pretty difficult to control your inner dialog against spontaneous and triggered thoughts.

I wanted to comment this HN entry with "people with intrusive thoughts sweating profusely" or something similar, but in truth are there people with no intrusive thoughts whatsoever?

I for one don't fight them, regardless how horrible they would be spoken out aloud, because so far I haven't seen any evidence of anyone reading my mind.

I also made a point of explaining to my child that her thoughts are hers and hers alone, so she can think whatever she likes.

I would rather not have to backtrack on any of this.

  • > are there people with no intrusive thoughts whatsoever?

    There are people with no internal monologue whatsoever.

    • I think every verbal person has the ability to “speak” phrases in their mind; people without an internal monologue (as is, I suppose, the case for me) just don’t need / tend to do that with every thought they have.

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    • I have no internal monologue, but I certainly have intrusive thoughts. They just aren't in words.

    • Of course someone without an internal monologue can have intrusive thoughts! Do you think intrusive thoughts have to come in the form of a monologue? You don't have intrusive 'scenes' in your everyday experience?

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