Ideation

Ideation is the process of forming ideas or concepts. In the context of mental health, ideation can refer to suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation, which are thoughts about or an unusual preoccupation with suicide or homicide, respectively.

Overview

Ideation involves the development of new ideas or the reinterpretation of existing ones. It is a crucial aspect of creative thinking and problem solving. In a broader sense, ideation can be applied to any thought, whether it be a concept, an idea, or a notion that forms inside the mind.

In the field of psychology, ideation is closely related to cognition, the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. It is also related to imagination, the ability to produce and simulate novel objects, peoples and ideas in the mind.

Ideation in Mental Health

In mental health, ideation can refer to harmful thoughts such as suicidal or homicidal ideation.

Suicidal ideation involves thoughts about, or an unusual preoccupation with, suicide. The range of suicidal ideation varies greatly from fleeting thoughts, to extensive thoughts, to detailed planning. Most people who undergo suicidal ideation do not go on to make suicide attempts, but it is considered a risk factor.

Homicidal ideation is thoughts by a person about committing murder. Like suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation ranges from fleeting thoughts to detailed planning.

Both types of ideation are commonly found in adults who suffer from conditions such as depression and anxiety. They are considered serious symptoms and require immediate medical attention.

See Also

• Cognition
• Imagination
• Suicidal ideation
• Homicidal ideation
• Depression
• Anxiety