Thought Disorder Definitions

Question 1

What is WORD SALAD?

Answer 1

When there are no links between words
‘ I am dog pan glasses’
Indicative of schizophrenia

Question 2

What is HYPOCHONDRIASIS?

Answer 2

The persistent belief that you have an underlying serious disease (e.g. cancer or terminal illnesses)

Question 3

What is KNIGHT’S MOVE?

Answer 3

Unexpected or illogical leaps from one idea to the other with NO linking

Question 4

What is PERSERVERATION?

Answer 4

Repetition of words or ideas

Question 5

What is CIRCUMSTATIALITY?

Answer 5

Drifting off from topic but returning to it at the end (circling back to the topic)
Typically found in those with schizophrenia, mania or psychosis

Question 6

What is FLIGHT OF IDEAS?

Answer 6

A formal thought disorder. Involves abrupt leaps from one topic to another, resulting in speech that is hard to follow.
Has a similar expression to tangentiality.

Occurs in psychotic disorders, as well as ASD

Question 7

What is CLANGING?

Answer 7

Sentences made of words that sound the same or rhyme

‘ I went to the shop, ooo this room needs a mop, bunnys hop’

Question 8

What is TANGENTIALITY?

Answer 8

Patient speaking in a structured manner + drift from the topic of discussion. However, they may never return to the original topic.

Also associated with psychotic disorders (e.g. schizophrenia)

Question 9

What is MALINGERING?

Answer 9

Fraudulent simulation of symptoms for personal gain