Defining thought broadcast

Abstract

BackgroundThe symptom of thought broadcast may have diagnostic significance but its definition varies.AimsTo examine multiple definitions of thought broadcast in differenttexts, to synthesise their common features and to undertake local and national surveys of psychiatrists to determine which definitions they endorse.MethodA semi-structured literature review of electronic databases, supplemented by a manual search of psychiatric textbooks, conceptual analyses and postal surveys of clinicians in NorthTrent (58 trainees and 70 consultants) and throughout the UK (49 professors of general adult psychiatry).ResultsThought broadcast is susceptible to multiple definitions: three exemplars were identified in the literature, each endorsed by influential authors. Among those psychiatrists responding to the survey (approximately 59%), some endorsed each definition of thought broadcast.ConclusionsThought broadcast means different things to different people. Inconsistent terminology might impair communication in clinical and research contexts.