Ordered thoughts on thought disorder

Abstract

Aims and method: To review and clarify the large number of psychophenomenological terms used to describe thought disorder. The most recent editions of the major psychiatric textbooks and medical dictionaries in the library of a London teaching hospital were used to compile a list of such terms. The various, often conflicting definitions were compared. Results: There were 68 terms identified. There was significant redundancy in these terms (i.e. more terms than significantly different concepts described). Different sources gave different definitions for the same terms. Clinical implications: The understanding of many of the terms used to describe thought disorder is poor. This is confusing for clinicians, trainees and patients.