Disordered formal thought process

What it means

An abnormality in the dynamic mode, rate, or form of thought processes as recognized from the flow of ideas expressed in speech. Successive thoughts and speech are easily diverted by external stimuli or internal superficial associations. Unable to maintain a constant train of thought and loose themselves in side issues, losing the thread and are unable to recover it. Superficial connections appear to drive the subject matter.

Disordered thinking patterns and cognitive processes that are expressed in speech. Expressed speech reflects disorganized thoughts and may include idiosyncratic use of words with illogical meanings, disjointed or fragmented sentence structure that makes it difficult to follow the logic of statements. Also included are abnormalities in rate or speed, and intensity of thoughts as reflected in variations in rate and volume of expressed speech.

Rare diseases that can present with this1

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Disordered formal thought processes · Disorganized speech or communication · Formal thought disorder