Abstract. This differential diagnosis of the disturbances in the structure of the thought process is presented from a phenomenological perspective. The main disturbances are graded along an axis of thought disintegration, from vague thinking to “word salad”. Practical guidelines are provided for the differential diagnosis of ideational disorganization and semantic disturbances in formal thought disorder, as well as for distinguishing it from aphasias. The disorders are illustrated with clinical examples.

Key words: differential diagnosis, formal thought disorder, phenomenological psychopathology, aphasias, schizophrenia

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