thought disorder

Question 1

what are delusions?

Answer 1

These are beliefs maintained despite overwhelming contradictory evidence. Delusions occur in various psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression.

Question 2

what are compulsions?

Answer 2

These involve repetitive, stereotypical behaviours that appear purposeful on the surface.

Question 3

what are thought disorders?

Answer 3

Characterised by disorganised thinking, which is often noticeable in a person’s speech and communication. This is distinct from thought content which refers more to negative content and delusions.

Question 4

what are flight of ideas?

Answer 4

Refers to a rapid, often uncontrolled stream of thoughts that leap from one topic to another without a clear focus or direction.

Question 5

what is word salad?

Answer 5

This is a severe form of formal thought disorder where the patient uses words in nonsensical or incoherent ways (e.g., ‘Purple monkey dishwasher? Thursday!’).

Question 6

what are neologisms?

Answer 6

Involves the creation of new words or phrases that are comprehensible only to the patient.

Question 7

what is pressure of speech?

Answer 7

Typified by an increased volume and speed of speech, frequently observed in individuals experiencing mania.

Question 8

what is logoclonia?

Answer 8

This occurs when a patient continuously repeats the last syllable of a word or phrase.

Question 9

what are obsessions?

Answer 9

These are recurrent, senseless thoughts or behaviors. While recognized as irrational by the patient, they often feel powerless to resist them.

Question 10

what is monomania?

Answer 10

Involves pathological preoccupation with a single subject or idea.

Question 11

what is echopraxia?

Answer 11

This condition is marked by the automatic imitation of another person’s movements by a patient.

Question 12

what is circumstantial speech?

Answer 12

Circumstantial speech refers to a communication style where an individual provides excessive and unnecessary details in conversation, often leading to a delayed and indirect response to the original question.

Question 13

what is preservation?

Answer 13

Perseveration in psychiatry is the repetition of a particular response, idea, or behaviour beyond what is contextually appropriate, often seen in conditions affecting cognitive function.

Question 14

what is tangential thinking?

Answer 14

Tangential thinking involves veering off from the main topic of discussion and introducing unrelated or loosely connected thoughts, making it challenging to maintain a coherent conversation.w

Question 15

what is knights move thinking?

Answer 15

Knight’s move thinking, also known as lateral thinking, refers to a non-linear thought process where ideas are connected in unusual or creative ways, often characterised by unique and unconventional associations.

Question 16

what are clang associations?

Answer 16

Clang associations involve the use of words or phrases based on their sound rather than their meaning, often resulting in a series of rhyming or alliterative expressions, and can be observed in conditions like schizophrenia.

Question 17

what is derailment?

Answer 17

The conversation moves randomly from one topic to another.

Question 18

what is poverty of speech?

Answer 18

A lack of spontaneous speech.

Question 19

what is perseveration?

Answer 19

The repetition of words or ideas when another person attempts to change the topic.

Question 20

what is thought blocking?

Answer 20

The patient suddenly halts in their thought process and cannot continue.

Question 21

what is depressive retardation?

Answer 21

Associated with psychomotor retardation accompanying a low mood, this condition results in slowed thoughts, speech, and movement.

Question 22

what is stupor?

Answer 22

This severe form of depressive retardation leaves patients unable to speak or move while remaining fully conscious.