A thought disorder is a mental health condition that affects the way a person thinks, their beliefs, and perceptions of the world around them. Thought disorders clutter a person’s way of thinking leading to abnormal and disorganized ways of expressing language when speaking and writing. Thought disorders change the way an individual is able to put together sequential ideas and can have a negative effect on their behaviors by causing them to experience delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. Formal thought disorder is often one of the primary symptoms of schizophrenia but can be present in other mental health conditions such as Bipolar and depression.
Thought Disorders are usually diagnosed when a person’s behavior and speaking show illogical, problematic, or incoherent patterns. Someone who is able to process information normally is able to think about something, connect thoughts together and then speak and deliver those thoughts in an organized and clear pattern. An individual suffering from a thought disorder cannot complete a thought process without experiencing internal disruption. Symptoms that someone is suffering from a thought disorder are:
Adapted from NCPG/SOGS and DSM-5
Responses should be based on behavior over the past 90 days
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Individuals can display and experience different characteristics of behavior when struggling with a thought disorder. Below some of the most common types of thought disorders are described:
Blocking: Individuals struggling with thought blocking often interrupt themselves mid-sentence and may stop speaking for several minutes. When they are able to speak again the topic of conversation has been changed.
Alogia: This type of thought disorder is often seen in individuals with dementia. Individuals with alogia rarely speak unless prompted and will give brief and sort responses to questions.
Clanging: An individual with a clanging thought process makes word choices based on the sound of the word rather than the meaning. They speak in rhymes and use puns to make sentences that ultimately don’t make sense logically.
Echolalia: People struggling with echolalia will repeat noises and words they hear instead of their own thoughts.
The Johns Hopkins Psychiatry guide lists 20 types of thought disorders. Consulting a professional clinician will help you better understand how to help someone suffering from a thought disorder
There is no specific cause of thought disorders although biological, genetics and environmental factors can all contribute. Individuals with mood disorder, bipolar disorder, and those that have suffered a traumatic brain injury are at higher risk of developing a thought disorder. Other factors such as being under extreme stress and the use of mind-altering drugs may cause the development of a thought disorder.
At Heather Fisher Recovery Services my goal is to help individuals and families find the right care and resources for their loved ones. Living with or being in a relationship with someone who is struggling with mental health conditions can be a challenge. Finding the right kinds of providers to address your loved ones’ specific needs can often feel like a tireless uphill battle. As a professional in the mental health field for many years, I have personally toured and vetted every and any facility I may connect you to. I am available to assess your loved ones’ therapeutic needs and provide guidance and structure to the intervention process and getting individuals connected to support. If you have questions about how to find services in your area, call Heather Fisher Recovery Services for a free consultation today.