A thought disorder is a type of mental health challenge that affects how a person thinks and communicates. Thought disorder is a descriptive term for certain symptoms, not a formal diagnosis by itself. There are many types of thought disorders. They often co-occur with symptoms of psychosis, mania, and conditions characterized by these symptoms, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and related conditions. Severe depression and traumatic brain injury can have co-occurring thought disorders as well. None of the varieties are associated with one specific condition. However, there are some patterns in the types of thought disorders that occur more often in certain conditions. Many people only experience the symptoms of thought disorders occasionally.
Communication difficulties may be the most noticeable symptoms of thought disorders to someone on the outside. They only scratch the surface of what it’s like to have one. Developing thought disorders at the onset of a condition or a traumatic brain injury can be very frustrating for the person experiencing them. Some researchers have suggested that thought disorders may affect a person’s sense of self and the way they experience the world.
When thought disorders go untreated, people often self-isolate. This can lead to poor health and an increased risk of substance use. People who have thought disorders need to receive proper treatment. They also need support from family and friends to achieve the best outcomes. When they have the care and support they need, it is possible for people who have thought disorders to manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what thought disorders are and describe some of the most common ones.
What is a thought disorder?
Thought disorder is a loose term for a group of conditions that affect the ways a person thinks and interacts with the world. These conditions include different types of disorganized thinking and speaking. They also include symptoms known as psychosis, e.g., delusions and paranoia. Thought disorders can affect a person’s ability to live independently. They make certain day-to-day tasks challenging, especially those that require complex executive functions and communication.
The specific causes of thought disorders are unknown. They affect many different parts of the brain and their functions. For instance, some thought disorders affect parts of the brain that process language and executive function. Or they might affect connectivity between different parts of the brain.
What are the most common types of thought disorders?
There are two broad categories: formal thought disorders and content thought disorders. These are loose terms for groups of conditions that affect the way thoughts are formed and the content of one’s thoughts. People who have these conditions may loosen associations between ideas that most people take for granted.
Formal thought disorders
Formal thought disorders involve ordinary thoughts and speech that are disrupted. This results in thoughts and speech that seem fragmented, disconnected or erratic. Often, people with formal thought disorders show patterns in their disorganized thoughts. These disorders may co-occur with psychosis or a break with reality. However, none of them stand out as more or less associated with it.
The following are some of the most common types of formal thought disorders:
- Alogia — Speaking in only brief, minimal responses when spoken to
- Blocking — Stopping in the middle of a thought or sentence and sometimes talking about something else after an extended pause
- Circumstantial thinking — Including lots of irrelevant details while holding a train of thought
- Derailment — Abruptly jumping from one loosely related idea to another
- Echolalia — Repeating noises and words that they hear instead of responding with original thoughts
- Neologism — Making up new words and expressions while speaking
- Tangentiality — Moving from one topic to the next without making a substantial point
Content thought disorders
Content thought disorders have more to do with the truth of one’s thoughts and beliefs or the amount of thoughts they have. Some of these disorders are associated with psychosis, in particular, delusion. Psychosis is when a person has a break with reality. It includes hallucinations, which are not thought disorders but a different type of symptom. Magical thinking and paranoia can sometimes co-occur with psychosis, but people also experience them as symptoms of mania.
The following are some of the most common types of content thought disorders:
- Delusion —A closely held yet false belief that’s not shared by others
- Magical thinking — A belief that certain actions and events are linked in a meaningful way when they’re not
- Overabundance of thought — Having many ideas and thoughts at one time
- Paranoid ideation — Extreme suspicion or belief that others are out to get a person in some way
- Poverty of thought — Expressing very few thoughts and ideas
How are thought disorders diagnosed and treated?
There is no standard treatment that applies to all types of thought disorders. Many of these symptoms can be improved with psychotherapy and medication. However, some tend to be more permanent. Each individual’s presentation of symptoms and the way they respond to treatment are unique. Antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and different types of psychotherapy can be helpful depending on a person’s symptoms.
At Lightfully, we see our clients as whole people with multifaceted and complex lives. We create personalized treatment plans for each client using our Precision Care Model (PCM). We focus on building a human connection with our clients first. Then we help them develop the resources and skills they need to thrive. Our programs include family therapy sessions so our clients’ loved ones can learn how to best support them.
Are you caring for a loved one who has a thought disorder? Contact us with any questions you have about treatment. We can help your loved one find some relief and help your family build a brighter future together.
