What is confabulation in the context of mental health?

Confabulation in the context of mental health refers to the fabrication of facts to cover memory gaps. This phenomenon occurs when an individual creates false memories without the intention to deceive; rather, it is an attempt to fill in the gaps in their own recollection of events. People who experience confabulation often genuinely believe in the accuracy of their constructed narratives, which typically arise in conditions such as amnesia, traumatic brain injury, or various other cognitive impairments.

While other concepts like repetition of ideas, incoherent speech, and invented words or phrases might relate to different aspects of communication or cognitive functioning, they do not accurately capture the essence of confabulation. This distinction is crucial, as it helps in understanding the underlying cognitive processes and how they may manifest in individuals with certain psychological conditions.