Derailment

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Derailment (Medicine)

Derailment (pronounced: /dɪˈreɪlmənt/) is a term used in psychiatry to describe a pattern of speech that is disorganized and hard to follow. It is often seen in conditions such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Etymology

The term 'derailment' comes from the French word 'dérailler', which means 'to go off the rails'. In a medical context, it refers to the way that a person's thoughts and speech can seem to 'go off the rails' and become disorganized or incoherent.

Definition

Derailment is characterized by a series of thoughts that are loosely connected or unrelated, resulting in speech that can be difficult to follow. This can be due to a variety of factors, including cognitive impairment, mental illness, or the effects of certain medications or substances.

Symptoms

Symptoms of derailment can include:

  • Speech that is disorganized or hard to follow
  • Rapidly changing topics, often with no clear connection between them
  • Difficulty staying on topic
  • Using words or phrases that are unrelated to the topic at hand

Related Terms

  • Loose associations: This is a similar concept to derailment, but refers specifically to a pattern of speech where ideas are connected in a loose or illogical way.
  • Word salad: This is a more severe form of derailment, where speech is so disorganized that it becomes completely incoherent.
  • Thought disorder: This is a broader term that includes derailment, as well as other patterns of disorganized thinking and speech.

Treatment

Treatment for derailment typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This can include medication for conditions like schizophrenia, or cognitive therapy to help improve thought processes and communication skills.

External links

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