Which of the following best describes tangentiality?
"Made up" words.
Repeating of another's words.
Thought of the speaker wanders off in another direction.
Meaningless rhythm of words.
The Correct Answer is C
A. "Made up" words. This describes neologisms, where individuals create new, nonsensical words that have meaning only to them. It is often seen in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
B. Repeating of another's words. This describes echolalia, a speech disturbance where individuals involuntarily repeat words or phrases spoken by others. It is common in autism spectrum disorder, catatonia, and some neurological conditions.
C. Thought of the speaker wanders off in another direction. Tangentiality occurs when a person's train of thought drifts away from the original topic and never returns to it. Unlike circumstantial speech, where the person eventually returns to the point, tangential thinking leads to incoherent, off-topic responses, commonly seen in schizophrenia, mania, and cognitive disorders.
D. Meaningless rhythm of words. This describes word salad, where speech consists of random, disorganized, and nonsensical words without logical structure. It is a severe thought disorder seen in advanced schizophrenia or delirium.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms in less than a month. According to the DSM-5, brief psychotic disorder is characterized by a sudden onset of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or disorganized behavior that lasts at least one day but less than one month, with eventual full recovery.
B. Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms in less than two months. The DSM-5 criteria do not define brief psychotic disorder with a two-month duration. If symptoms persist beyond one month, another diagnosis, such as schizophreniform disorder, may be considered.
C. Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms in less than one year. Psychotic symptoms lasting up to one year are more indicative of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, not brief psychotic disorder.
D. Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms in less than six months. Psychotic symptoms lasting longer than one month but less than six months are consistent with schizophreniform disorder, rather than brief psychotic disorder.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the first-line treatment for somatic symptom disorder (SSD). It helps patients recognize and modify maladaptive thoughts about their physical symptoms, reducing distress and improving coping mechanisms.
B. Antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medications are not typically recommended for SSD unless there is a comorbid psychotic disorder or severe delusional thinking. SSD is primarily driven by excessive health-related anxiety and preoccupation with physical symptoms, not psychosis.
C. Anti-anxiety medications. Short-term use of anxiolytics (e.g., benzodiazepines) may help with acute anxiety symptoms, but they are not the preferred treatment due to the risk of dependence. SSRIs and psychotherapy are more effective long-term for managing anxiety in SSD.
D. Antidepressants. SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly used to treat SSD, especially when there is underlying depression or anxiety. These medications help reduce excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms and improve overall emotional well-being.
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