thought insertion
A delusion in which the patient believes that thoughts are being placed into their mind by an external force.
Full Definition
Thought insertion is a specific type of delusion of control where patients experience thoughts as being implanted in their mind by external agents such as other people, organizations, or supernatural forces. This phenomenon is considered a first-rank symptom of schizophrenia according to Schneider's criteria. Patients typically describe the inserted thoughts as foreign, not their own, and distinctly different from their usual thinking. The experience differs from obsessive thoughts in that patients attribute the thoughts to external sources rather than recognizing them as products of their own mind.
Usage
Usage note: Part of Schneider's first-rank symptoms; distinguish from thought broadcasting and thought withdrawal.
In Context
- "The patient reported thought insertion, stating that the CIA was placing ideas about government conspiracies into his mind." — Psychiatric evaluation
- "First-rank symptoms including thought insertion and auditory hallucinations supported the diagnosis of schizophrenia." — Diagnostic assessment