Assessment of catatonia combines observation, physical examination and a history of the changes in movement, speech and responsiveness. Clinicians may use a structured rating scale to document signs and follow response. They investigate possible causes…Continue Reading
Paranoia can make relationships difficult because the person’s usual sources of reassurance may themselves feel unsafe. Questions may seem like interrogation, advice may sound controlling and ordinary disagreements may be interpreted as evidence of betrayal.…Continue Reading
Reduced motivation refers to difficulty generating or sustaining purposeful activity. A person may want a different life yet struggle to begin basic tasks, attend appointments or pursue interests. Clinically this is often described as avolition.…Continue Reading
Loose associations describe speech in which connections between ideas become weak or difficult for a listener to follow. A person may move from one topic to another through links that feel meaningful internally but are…Continue Reading
Reduced pleasure is called anhedonia. In schizophrenia, difficulty anticipating enjoyment can be more pronounced than an inability to enjoy something while it happens. Someone may predict that a meal or visit will be unrewarding, then…Continue Reading
Tangential speech moves away from a question or topic and does not return to provide the requested answer. Someone asked about an appointment might describe the bus route, the weather and a childhood memory without…Continue Reading
Reduced speech, or alogia, involves speaking less spontaneously or providing unusually brief answers. It concerns the amount and elaboration of communication, rather than necessarily involving incoherent speech. A person may understand a conversation but contribute…Continue Reading
Incoherent speech is communication whose meaning becomes very difficult to understand because words, phrases or sentences do not connect in an intelligible way. Severe examples are sometimes called word salad, although that expression can sound…Continue Reading
Thought blocking is a sudden interruption in the flow of thought or speech. A person may stop mid-sentence and report that the idea has disappeared, even though they intended to continue. The pause can be…Continue Reading
Communication difficulties in schizophrenia can involve expressing ideas, following conversations or interpreting another person’s meaning. Formal thought disorder is one contributor, but attention problems, reduced speech, anxiety, hearing difficulties and medication-related sedation can also matter.…Continue Reading