derailment

n. a symptom of thought disorder, often occurring in individuals with schizophrenia, marked by frequent interruptions in thought and jumping from one idea to another unrelated or indirectly related idea. It is usually manifested in speech (speech derailment) but can also be observed in writing. Derailment is essentially equivalent to loosening of associations. See cognitive derailment; thought derailment.

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Psychology term of the day

January 20th 2025

ambient conditions

the physical variables in a particular environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, noise level, and intensity of light) that, taken as a whole, create an atmosphere that may evoke a distinct feeling or mood. Ambient conditions can be distinguished from specific elements of the environment.