What causes unexplained fear, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts, and what should I do about it?
Nov 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Unexplained fear, dread, and excessive worrying may be caused by excessive mental stress, severe lack of sleep, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. These symptoms can be improved through stress reduction, adequate rest, medication, and other approaches. If symptoms persist or worsen, or interfere with daily life, prompt medical attention is necessary. Excessive mental stress: prolonged pressure from work or life,
Unexplained fear, dread, and racing thoughts may result from excessive mental stress, severe sleep deprivation, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other conditions. Symptoms can be improved through stress reduction, adequate rest, and medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, or interfere with daily life, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Excessive Mental Stress: Prolonged work- or life-related stress leads to accumulated psychological burden, causing the brain's nervous system to remain chronically tense, resulting in unexplained fear and disordered thinking. It is recommended to practice mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, participate in outdoor activities to shift focus, and actively talk to others to relieve stress.
2. Severe Sleep Deprivation: Chronic late nights and poor sleep quality prevent the brain from fully recovering, disrupting emotional regulation and leading to fearfulness and intrusive thoughts. It is advised to maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid electronic devices before bedtime, create a quiet sleeping environment, and ensure 7–8 hours of high-quality sleep each night.
3. Panic Disorder: Recurrent sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. During attacks, patients often experience chaotic thoughts and catastrophic thinking. Under medical guidance, medications such as sertraline tablets, fluoxetine capsules, and alprazolam tablets may be used to alleviate symptoms.
4. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Persistent and excessive worry, unexplained fear about various matters, accompanied by difficulty concentrating and intrusive thoughts, significantly affecting daily functioning. Under medical supervision, medications such as paroxetine tablets, venlafaxine extended-release capsules, and buspirone tablets may help relieve symptoms.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurrent intrusive thoughts cause unexplained fear, compelling individuals to repeatedly think or perform actions beyond their control. Patients may take fluvoxamine tablets, clomipramine tablets, or risperidone tablets as prescribed to improve symptoms.
Maintain a regular routine, ensure sufficient sleep, eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients, engage in gentle exercises such as yoga or walking, communicate regularly with family and friends, and cultivate positive hobbies to reduce psychological burden.
