With the support of the Bernabeu faithful, Madrid made the ideal start, as Karim Benzema capitalised on a Victor Valdes error to score in the opening seconds of the match.
But Jose Mourinho's side were pegged back through a goal from Alexis Sanchez on the half-hour mark, then a second-half own goal from Marcelo put Barca ahead before Cesc Fabregas sealed the win for the defending Spanish champions.
"We rushed our game and did not play in an orderly fashion," Casillas said.
"Barcelona's second goal conditioned the match and it may have affected us somewhat. (But) there are 30-something games left in the league and we cannot obsess about Barcelona."
"This defeat hurts because we've been having a good run and we lost here at the Bernabeu.
Casillas then defended Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed a gilt-edged chance with a header just before Barca scored their third goal.
"We all have to play at 120 per cent, not just Cristiano. We're a team and criticism is directed to all of us," Casillas said.
"We were unlucky, but we shouldn't use excuses. It was easier for them to play when they were leading 3-1, and it was consequently harder for us, with our lines separated and the match being so open."
Casillas said he was already moving on from the defeat: "Our future lies first in the Copa del Rey (against Ponferradina on Tuesday) and then in a vital match against Sevilla."
The defeat means Madrid cede top spot to Barcelona, but both teams are level on 37 points, with Jose Mourinho's side having a game in hand.
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