Tangentiality
Pronunciation: tan-jen-shee-AL-ih-tee
A thought disorder where responses drift away from the original topic without returning to the point.
Full Definition
Tangentiality is a form of thought disorder characterized by responses that begin relevantly but gradually veer away from the topic at hand, never returning to answer the original question. Unlike circumstantiality, where the person eventually returns to the main point, tangential thinking creates a permanent departure from the intended topic. This symptom can indicate various psychiatric conditions including schizophrenia, mania, or cognitive disorders, and significantly impacts communication effectiveness in therapeutic settings.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from circumstantiality by noting the absence of return to the original topic.
In Context
- "When asked about sleep patterns, the patient displayed tangentiality, discussing dreams, then mythology, then ancient history." — Clinical interview notes
- "Tangentiality in responses made it difficult to obtain relevant historical information during the assessment." — Psychological evaluation report