Glossary

Misinterpretation of incidents and events in the outside world as having direct personal reference to oneself; frequently seen in paranoid persons. 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 Mental State Examination.

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.

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. 

A person observed emotional expression does not reflect the reported mood.  

Self-understanding; the ability to be self-aware. In the context of a mental state exam, it refers to:

• the extent to which the person recognises their symptoms/situation

• their understanding of how the symptoms impact on their functioning

• how they explain the reason for their symptoms/situation.