Thought broadcasting
A delusion in which patients believe their thoughts can be heard or accessed by others without speaking.
Full Definition
Thought broadcasting is a specific type of delusion characterized by the belief that one's thoughts are being transmitted to others, either audibly or through some other means, without the person speaking aloud. Patients may believe others can hear their thoughts directly or that thoughts are being broadcast like a radio transmission. This symptom is considered a first-rank symptom of schizophrenia and represents a disturbance in ego boundaries and reality testing. Clinical documentation should distinguish thought broadcasting from paranoid ideation about mind-reading or from concerns about others overhearing spoken thoughts.
Usage
Usage note: No hyphen in thought broadcasting. Distinguish from thought insertion and withdrawal in documentation.
In Context
- "Patient reports thought broadcasting, believing coworkers can hear his thoughts about them." — Mental status examination
- "Thought broadcasting delusion has improved with antipsychotic medication adjustment." — Progress note