Professional
Technical
IVT
thought insertion
A delusion in which patients believe that external thoughts are being placed into their mind by others.
Full Definition
Thought insertion is a first-rank symptom of schizophrenia where patients experience the conviction that thoughts not their own are being inserted into their mind by external forces or other people. Unlike normal intrusive thoughts, patients with thought insertion attribute these thoughts to external sources and experience them as foreign to their own thinking process. This symptom represents a severe disruption of the sense of mental ownership and is considered pathognomonic of psychotic disorders.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The patient described thought insertion, stating that the government was placing ideas about harming others into his mind." — psychiatric assessment
- "Thought insertion resolved after initiation of antipsychotic medication and stabilization of psychotic symptoms." — discharge summary
Don't confuse with
thought broadcasting
thought withdrawal
intrusive thoughts