Psychiatric Bulletin (2005) 29: 462-464. doi: 10.1192/pb.29.12.462
© 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Psychiatric Bulletin (2005) 29: 462-464
© 2005 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Ordered thoughts on thought disorder

Ashley Rule, Consultant Psychiatrist

Oxfordshire Mental HealthcareTrust, Littlemore Mental Health Centre, Sandford Lane, Littlemore, Oxford OX4 4XN, e-mail: ashleymrule{at}hotmail.com

Declaration of interest

None.

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.




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Further thoughts on Ordered thoughts
Arun K Chopra
PB Online, 5 Dec 2005 [Full text]