3.1 General disturbances in thought form

Question 1

Psychosis

Answer 1

the inability to distinguish reality from fantasy: impaired reality testing with the creation of a new reality. The patient makes incorrect inferences about external reality and their own perceptions and thoughts – even in the face of evidence to the contrary. Grossly disorganized behaviour may also constitute psychosis.

Question 2

Formal thought disorder:

Answer 2

there is abnormality in the way the thoughts are put together rather than in the content of the thoughts

Question 3

Circumstantiality

Answer 3

speech is indirect and delayed in reaching the point because of unnecessary, tedious details. Circumstantial replies may be prolonged for many minutes if the speaker is not constantly interrupted and urged to get to the point.

Question 4

Loosening of associations

Answer 4

thinking that shifts from one topic to another without the speaker showing awareness that the subjects are not connected. Statements lack a meaningful relationship with one another.

Question 5

Tangentiality

Answer 5

inability to have goal directed flow of thought. The patient never reaches or defines the goal.

Question 6

Neologisms

Answer 6

new words invented by the patient, distorted words or standard words given a new, highly idiosyncratic meaning.

Question 7

Clanging

Answer 7

the association of words similar in sound but not in meaning. It may include rhyming and punning. There are no logical connections between words; they are similar only in terms of the way they sound.

Question 8

Perseveration

Answer 8

the persistent repetition of words, ideas or subjects so that it continuously recurs in the conversation. It differs from the repetitive use of stock phrases such as ‘like’ or ‘you know’.

Question 9

Thought blocking

Answer 9

the interruption of a flow of ideas before the idea is completed. After a period of silence, the patient indicates no recall of what was being said or was going to be said

Question 10

Echolalia

Answer 10

the repetition, or echoing, of the words of the interviewer. It is repetitive and persistent.