The term which is used to describe idiosyncratically formed new words whose derivation cannot be understood easily is:-

Appeared in: AIIMS Manglagiri NO - 2019

Explanation

Neologisms are newly coined words or expressions that have a specific meaning only to the person using them.
The term comes from 'neo' (new) and 'logos' (word).
Their derivation is often illogical and cannot be easily understood by others, making them a key feature of formal thought disorder.
They are most commonly associated with psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Mannerisms are a disorder of motor behavior, not speech or language. They involve peculiar, repetitive movements or gestures.
Option B: Mutism is the absence of speech. The question describes the creation of new words, which is the opposite of mutism.
Option C: Negativism is a disturbance in volition or will, characterized by resistance to external suggestions or commands. It does not relate to word formation.

Related Visual

A chart that categorizes and defines different types of formal thought disorders, such as circumstantiality, tangentiality, flight of ideas, and neologisms, with clear examples...

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Disorders of Thought and Speech in Psychiatry as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing neologisms is a critical component of the Mental Status Examination (MSE), specifically when assessing a patient's thought process and speech.
The presence of neologisms strongly suggests a psychotic process, such as schizophrenia, and helps guide the diagnostic workup and treatment plan.
What if? If a patient used a real word in a new, idiosyncratic way (e.g., calling a pen a 'hand-stick'), it would be termed a 'word approximation' or 'metonymy,' a related but distinct speech disturbance.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem: 'idiosyncratically formed new words'.
Break down the key phrase: 'new words'.
Evaluate each option based on its definition. 'Neo' means new, and 'logos' means word, making 'neologism' a direct fit.
Eliminate options that relate to different domains: 'Mannerisms' (motor behavior), 'Mutism' (absence of speech), and 'Negativism' (volition/behavior).
Confirm that the definition of neologism matches the full description in the question, including that the derivation is not easily understood.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Disorders of Thought and Speech in Psychiatry
Stem keywords: idiosyncratically formed new words, derivation cannot be understood
Lead-in keywords: term which is used to describe

Question ID

QyWAjIVgoy0XLltSFDWDnH

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. 15410-15412

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 3576-3578

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