tangential speech
Speech pattern that starts on topic but gradually drifts away without returning to the original point.
Full Definition
Tangential speech is a thought disorder characterized by responses that begin appropriately but gradually veer away from the original question or topic without ever returning to the point. Unlike circumstantial speech, which eventually returns to the main topic, tangential speech never circles back. This symptom is commonly observed in various psychiatric conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder during manic episodes, and certain personality disorders. In clinical documentation, tangential speech is noted as part of the mental status examination and thought process assessment.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from circumstantial speech, which returns to the original topic
In Context
- "The patient exhibited tangential speech when asked about medication compliance, starting with pills but ending with childhood memories of his grandmother's garden." — Mental status examination
- "During the interview, tangential speech made it difficult to obtain a coherent history of present illness." — Psychiatric evaluation