Thought blocking

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Definition[edit | edit source]

Thought blocking refers to an abrupt stop in the middle of a train of thought.

Features[edit | edit source]

The individual might or might not be unable to continue the idea.[1]

Presentation[edit | edit source]

A person may experience “thought blocking” and stop speaking abruptly in the middle of a thought. When asked why they stopped talking, the person may say that it felt as if the thought had been taken out of their head. A person might make up meaningless words, or “neologisms,” or perseverate which means to persistently repeat words or ideas. This category of symptoms is sometimes referred to as a thought disorder.

Conditions associated[edit | edit source]

  • This is type of formal thought disorder that can be seen in schizophrenia.[2].
  • It is also seen in schizoaffective disorders.

Other names[edit | edit source]

Thought blocking is also referred to as thought withdrawal.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Proper diagnosis is made a trained and licensed psychiatrist.

Thought blocking Resources
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  2. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named APP

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD