What are newly invented words or phrases sometimes heard in patients with schizophrenia called?

Neologisms refer to newly invented words or phrases that individuals create, often as part of their thought processes in certain mental health conditions, including schizophrenia. These terms may not have meaning to others but are significant to the individual. In the context of schizophrenia, neologisms can manifest as a way for the patient to express unique thoughts or experiences, reflecting their altered perception of reality or cognitive processes.

Other terms, like incoherence, derailment, and perseveration, describe different aspects of thought and communication difficulties, but they do not specifically denote the creation of new words. Incoherence refers to speech that is not logically connected or understandable, derailment involves shifting from one topic to another without a clear link, and perseveration is the repetitive focus on a particular idea or topic. Neologisms are distinct in that they emphasize the novelty and creativity of language that arises from the individual's mental state.