Flight of ideas occurs when someone talks quickly and erratically, jumping rapidly between ideas and thoughts.
Flight of ideas is not a medical condition in itself. It is a symptom that may occur as part of mania, psychosis, and some neurodevelopmental conditions.
Keep reading to learn more about flight of ideas, including the symptoms, associated conditions, and more.
According to the American Psychological Association, flight of ideas is a type of thought disorder that causes some people to speak rapidly and quickly shift between loosely connected ideas when speaking.
From time to time, most people become excited and speak too quickly or switch between ideas as they flood into their mind. When this happens, people are usually aware of and acknowledge the fact that they are speaking quickly.
However, flight of ideas is a type of thought disorder that may present as a symptom of an underlying condition. People with this thought disorder tend to be oblivious to the fact that they are switching from subject to subject, as every topic seems “connected” to them.
It may be difficult to understand or follow what someone with flight of ideas is saying. Their speech may be nonsensical, or they may speak so quickly that they slur or skip words.
Everyone experiences flight of ideas differently. That said, some general symptoms that people are likely to experience include:
There are several conditions that can lead to people experiencing flight of ideas. The sections below will look at some of these in more detail.
In most cases, flight of ideas is due to mania. Mania is a period of intensely heightened mood, energy levels, and erratic behavior that can occur in people with bipolar disorder.
Some symptoms of mania include:
People with psychosis can also experience flight of ideas. Psychosis occurs when someone has difficulty distinguishing between reality and hallucinations or delusions.
Psychosis can occur with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and several neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
People experiencing psychosis may:
Flight of ideas is fairly similar to a few other thought disorders. These include:
Autistic people and those who have multiple complex developmental conditions may also experience flight of ideas. In these cases, however, flight of ideas seems to be more of a communication problem than a true thought disorder.
The best treatment and coping strategies for people experiencing flight of ideas depend on the cause.
Some treatment options for mania and psychosis include:
Certain lifestyle habits also tend to reduce the chance of mania and psychosis in people who are prone to it. These habits include:
There are plenty of ways to help someone who may be experiencing flight of ideas or the conditions that cause it.
One of the best ways to help anyone with a mental health condition is to talk with them first. This may include asking them about the symptoms and worries they have, whether or not they feel safe, and if they think they may harm themselves or others.
If someone does not feel safe, ask how to make them feel safe and help them achieve this or come up with a safety plan.
If someone is experiencing an emergency, such as showing any signs that they may harm themselves or others, call 911 and seek advice on how to proceed. If this is not possible, take the person to the nearest emergency medical facility. It is especially important to call ahead during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If someone is threatening to harm themselves, one can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Alternatively, one can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “HELLO” to 741741.
For veterans in crisis, one can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255.
If someone is discussing harming themselves or others online or displaying dangerous behaviors, contact the social media platform they are using or call 911 and ask how to proceed.
Be sure to keep in touch with anyone who is experiencing a mental health condition or crisis. Some studies suggest that suicide rates decrease when people check in on at-risk individuals.
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Anyone who is experiencing flight of ideas or mild symptoms of mania or psychosis should contact a doctor as soon as possible. A family doctor or general doctor will then refer them to a physiatrist or neurologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Anyone who is experiencing severe mania or psychosis will likely require emergency care. Call 911 or a crisis hotline and ask how to proceed if the following symptoms occur:
Flight of ideas is a thought disorder associated with conditions that cause mania and psychosis.
In some cases, it can also be a symptom of certain neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
People who experience mania or psychosis usually require medical care.
A person needs professional help as soon as possible if symptoms of mania or psychosis, such as flight of ideas, occur.
A person needs emergency care if more severe or life threatening symptoms — such as hallucinations, delusions, or thoughts of self-harm — occur.
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© 2024 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. See additional information.
