Thought blocking

Thought blocking (German: Sperrung),[1] or simply blocking, is a phenomenon that occurs in people with psychiatric illnesses (usually schizophrenia). A person's speech is suddenly interrupted by silences that may last a few seconds to a minute or longer.[2][3] When the person begins speaking again, after the block, they will often speak about a subject unrelated to what was being discussed when blocking occurred. Blocking is described as an experience of unanticipated, quick and total emptying of the mind.[4] People with schizophrenia commonly experience thought blocking and may comprehend the experience in peculiar ways.[4] For example, a person with schizophrenia might remark that another person has removed their thoughts from their brain.[4]

Not to be confused with Thought suppression.

When doctors diagnose thought blocking, it is important that they consider other causes of pauses in speech and expression, such as petit mal or absence seizures, aphasia, hesitation brought on by anxiety, dissociation (e.g., secondary to PTSD), or slow thought processes. When looking for schizophrenia they may look for thought blocking. It is a common issue with schizophrenic patients.[5]

References
  1. Lennart Jansson; Julie Nordgaard (2016). The Psychiatric Interview for Differential Diagnosis. Springer. p. 75. ISBN 978-3-319-33249-9.
  2. Nurcombe Barry, Ebert Michael H, "Chapter 4. The Psychiatric Interview" (Chapter). Ebert MH, Loosen PT, Nurcombe B, Leckman JF: CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry, p.2e: "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2010-07-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link).
  3. "APA Dictionary of Psychology Blocking". dictionary.apa.org. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  4. Gelder, Mayou, Geddes (2005). Psychiatry. New York, NY; Oxford University Press Inc.
  5. "National Institute of Mental Health". Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.


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