Comprehensive exams for Mental Health Q 158

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Danny, who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and acute mania, states the nurse, “Where is my daughter? I love Louis. Rain, rain go away. Dogs eat dirt.” The nurse interprets these statements as indicating which of the following?

  

     A. Echolalia

     B. Neologism

     C. Clang associations

     D. Flight of ideas

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Flight of ideas

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Flight of ideas is a speech pattern of rapid transition from topic to topic, often without finishing one idea. It is common in mania. A nearly continuous flow of accelerated speech with abrupt changes from topic to topic that are usually based on understandable associations, distracting stimuli, or plays on words. When severe, speech may be disorganized and incoherent. It is part of the DSM-5 criteria for Manic episodes.

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Option A: People with echolalia repeat noises and phrases that they hear. They may not be able to communicate effectively because they struggle to express their own thoughts. For example, someone with echolalia might only be able to repeat a question rather than answer it. In many cases, echolalia is an attempt to communicate, learn language, or practice language.

Option B: In a neurological or psychopathological context, neologisms, whose origins and meanings are usually nonsensical and unrecognizable (e.g., klipno for watch), are typically associated with aphasia or schizophrenia.

Option C: Clang associations are groups of words chosen because of the catchy way they sound, not because of what they mean. Clanging word groups don’t make sense together. People who speak using repetitive clang associations may have a mental health condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

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