Accomplishments of the thought disordered person: A case study in psychiatrist-patient interaction

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>The research and clinical literature portrays the thought disordered person as incapable of meaningful social interaction. This model views thought disorder exclusively as a brain dysfunction, evidenced by dysfunctions in speech.<h4>Aims</h4>The study seeks to address this deficit model by investigating the interactional accomplishments of thought disordered people in clinical interviews.<h4>Method</h4>An analysis of clinical interview data.<h4>Results</h4>We investigate (1) what thought disordered people actually accomplish in interaction, and (2) how thought disordered people and their psychiatrists routinely communicate on matters consequential for treatment.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This paper introduces a new perspective on the interactional achievements of people with thought disorder. The skills required by both parties during routine clinical interviews have not previously been recognised or described.