Jumping of one idea to another idea is?

Appeared in: PGIMS Rohtak NO - 2017

Explanation

Flight of ideas is a formal thought disorder where thoughts and speech move rapidly from one topic to another.
While the topic shifts are abrupt, a listener can usually follow the logical (though often superficial) connections between the ideas.
This symptom is a classic feature of manic or hypomanic episodes in bipolar disorder and is often accompanied by pressured speech (rapid, loud, and difficult to interrupt).
The question's description, "Jumping of one idea to another idea," is the textbook definition of flight of ideas.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Perseveration is the opposite of jumping between ideas. It involves getting 'stuck' on a single idea, word, or phrase and repeating it persistently, even when it's no longer relevant.
Option B: Mutism is the absence of speech. Flight of ideas involves an excess of rapid speech, not a lack of it.
Option D: Ideas of persecution are a disorder of thought content, not thought process. It describes what a person is thinking (a delusional belief of being harmed), not how their thoughts are flowing.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Disorders of Thought Process as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing flight of ideas is a critical nursing assessment skill, as it is a key indicator of a manic episode, which requires immediate intervention to ensure patient safety and stability.
A nurse observing flight of ideas should assess for other signs of mania, such as decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, impulsivity, and psychomotor agitation.
Patient safety is a primary concern for individuals experiencing mania with flight of ideas, as their poor judgment and impulsivity can lead to risky behaviors. A calm, structured environment and clear, concise communication are essential nursing interventions.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem. The key phrase is "Jumping of one idea to another idea."
This is a definition-based question. Your task is to match this description to the correct psychiatric term.
Analyze the options. Think about the definition of each term.
Perseveration is repetition. Mutism is no speech. Ideas of persecution are a type of belief. Flight of ideas is rapid topic shifting.
The description in the question directly matches the definition of flight of ideas.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Disorders of Thought Process
Stem keywords: Jumping, idea to another idea
Lead-in keywords: is
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

Ql3abjSOTrlMasVo4kSitk

Reference Book

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) p. 3794-3796

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 50-52

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