Clinically relevant aspects of thought across psychological disorders.

Abstract

Thought-related features are prevalent within psychopathologies, with around 50% of psychiatric disorders including aspects of thought in their diagnostic criteria. Even among higher levels of transdiagnostic work and a stronger focus on thought-related phenomenon, a gap remains between cognitive and clinical fields. Here, we aimed to bridge the gap between these two fields by providing a high-level organization of the most prevalently studied mental health-related aspects of thought. In this review, we surveyed the thought literature with a focus on clinical disorders with thought-related phenomena in their diagnostic criteria. From our review we identified three high level dimensions of thoughts: the content of thought, the dynamics of thought, and the relationship to thought. Within each of these levels, we then expanded on the specific aspects of thought highlighted in the cognitive and clinical literature. Identification of these categorical themes will help to isolate the specific aspects of thought driving the persistence of mental health disorders. Knowledge of the underlying cognitive mechanisms that drive disorder-related impairment can then be used to create more effective and targeted interventions.