Example:
"So, I was at the store, and they had these really cool shoes, but then I saw a bird outside, and it was so beautiful, and it made me think about flying, and then I thought about airplanes, and how they can fly all over the world, and then I started thinking about how the world is a really big place, and how there's so much to see... and then I got back to the shoes, and they were really nice, but then I realized I didn't have enough money, so I didn't buy them."
Explanation:
This example illustrates derailment because the speaker jumps from one topic to another without a clear connection. The thought process seems to follow an associative chain, where one thought triggers another, but these associations are not logically related.
Key features of derailment in this example:
* Lack of coherence: The ideas don't flow together in a logical or meaningful way.
* Tangential thoughts: The speaker drifts off into unrelated topics.
* Loss of focus: The original topic (shoes) gets lost in a series of disconnected thoughts.
Important Note: This is just an example, and the level of derailment can vary significantly from person to person. It's important to note that derailment is a complex symptom that can be caused by various factors, and should always be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional.