Signs and symptoms of conceptual disorganization may include:
- Incoherence: Speech may be fragmented or disconnected.
- Tangentiality: Jumping from one topic to another in a seemingly random way.
- Illogical thinking: Making illogical connections between thoughts and ideas.
- Perseveration: Repetition of the same idea or thought, even when it is no longer relevant.
- Word salad: Using language in a way that is incomprehensible or nonsensical.
Conceptual disorganization is commonly associated with certain mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, and thought disorders like schizoaffective disorder and delusional disorder. It can also be a symptom of certain neurological conditions, such as dementia or a brain injury.
Assessment for conceptual disorganization typically involves evaluating an individual's ability to organize and express their thoughts and ideas coherently. This may be done through clinical interviews, observation, or standardized psychological testing. Treatment for conceptual disorganization may involve medication or psychotherapy to address the underlying mental health condition or neurological disorder.