Glossary

Misinterpretation of incidents and events in the outside world as having direct personal reference to oneself; frequently seen in paranoid patients. For example, remarks that one overhears, or people that one encounters seem to be concerned with and usually hostile to self. If present with sufficient frequency or intensity or if organised and systematised, they constitute delusions of reference. Documented in the thought content section of MSE.

A pattern of speech in which conclusions reached do not follow from the facts.

A misperception of a real external stimulus. Example: the rustling of leaves is heard as the sound of voices. Contrast with hallucination.

The recall of perceived material within a period of 30 seconds to 25 minutes after presentation.

Displaying behaviour characterised by little or no forethought, reflection, or consideration of the consequences. Rapid, unplanned responses to stimuli. Is of clinical interest because of the danger the person's actions may present to self and others. Should be considered in a risk assessment, especially if the person is also prone to violence, or is currently angry or hostile.

Lacking in unity or consistency; often applied to speech or thinking that is not understandable owing to any of the following: lack of logical connection between words or phrases, excessive use of incomplete sentences; many irrelevancies or abrupt changes in subject matter; idiosyncratic word usage; or distorted grammar. 

Emotional tone out of harmony with the idea, thought, or speech accompanying it.

Self-understanding; the ability to be self-aware - that is, conscious of one's own feelings, ideas, and underlying motivations about a particular issue. It involves the capacity to examine many aspects, viewpoints, and consequences of an issue before forming an opinion or making a decision. In this context, refers to the extent to which the patient recognises he has a mental illness or disability.