logorrhea
Pronunciation: log-oh-REE-uh
Excessive, rapid, and often incoherent speech characterized by an abnormally large flow of words, commonly seen in manic episodes.
Full Definition
Logorrhea is a speech pattern characterized by an excessive and often rapid flow of words, frequently accompanied by difficulty in being interrupted or redirected. The speech may be coherent but excessive, or may become tangential and difficult to follow. This symptom is commonly observed during manic or hypomanic episodes of bipolar disorder, but can also occur in other psychiatric conditions, neurological disorders, or as a result of certain medications or substances. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with 'pressured speech,' though logorrhea specifically emphasizes the volume and flow of verbal output rather than the internal pressure driving the speech.
Usage
Usage note: Focus on excessive volume of speech. Often co-occurs with other manic symptoms. Can be confused with pressured speech or flight of ideas.
In Context
- "The patient's logorrhea during the manic episode made it nearly impossible for the interviewer to redirect or interrupt." — Psychiatric evaluation
- "Family members reported that the patient's logorrhea had been increasing over the past week along with decreased sleep." — Emergency department assessment