Professional
Technical
IVT
derailment
A form of thought disorder characterized by loosely associated ideas that shift from one topic to another without logical connection.
Full Definition
Derailment, also known as loose associations, is a formal thought disorder where the speaker's train of thought shifts between topics that have little or no apparent logical relationship. Unlike normal conversation where topic changes follow understandable connections, derailment involves abrupt shifts that make the overall discourse difficult to follow. This symptom is commonly observed in schizophrenia and manic episodes, and its severity can range from mild tangentiality to complete incoherence.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred term over 'loose associations' in formal documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's speech showed significant derailment, jumping from discussing his job to aliens to breakfast without apparent connection." — mental status examination
- "Formal thought disorder including derailment improved with antipsychotic treatment." — progress note
Also known as
loose associations
knight's move thinking
Contrasted with
logical thought
coherent speech
Don't confuse with
tangentiality
circumstantiality
flight of ideas