Question

Brad has schizophrenia and often seems to ramble when speaking, jumping from one topic to another. He is demonstrating which of the following:

a) Affective disorders
b) Disorganized thinking
c) Obsessions
d) Tic disorders

Answer 1

Brad is displaying 'disorganized or tangential speech', which is a symptom of schizophrenia, and not indicative of tic disorders which involve repetitive movements or sounds. Schizophrenia is often treated with antipsychotic medications that target brain neurotransmitters.

Step-by-step explanation:

Brad, who has schizophrenia, and demonstrates a speech pattern where he jumps from one topic to another, is displaying a symptom known as 'disorganized or tangential speech'. This symptom is associated with schizophrenia, which is a complex mental health disorder that impacts how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. The erratic speech pattern is a hallmark of the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, including trouble focusing or maintaining a train of thought, which leads to speech that may be hard to follow. In contrast, tic disorders involve sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds.

The disorganized speech observed in schizophrenia is not characteristic of tic disorders, which are more likely to involve repetitive motor behaviors and vocalizations. Treatment for schizophrenia typically involves antipsychotic medications that help manage symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, notably dopamine. While these medications are essential for management, they are not a cure, requiring patients to maintain an ongoing treatment regimen.