Which symptom involves a patient repeating phrases or words, often seen in schizophrenia?

Echolalia is a symptom characterized by the automatic and involuntary repetition of phrases or words spoken by others. It is often observed in individuals with schizophrenia and can manifest as an attempt to communicate or as a form of social interaction. This behavior reflects a disconnection in the thought processes of the patient, as they may not be fully engaged in the conversation or may struggle to form their own responses. In the context of schizophrenia, echolalia can highlight the presence of thought disorders and the challenges in verbal communication that many patients experience.

Perseveration refers to the repetition of a particular response or behavior, often seen in various psychiatric conditions, but it is more about the inability to transition from one thought or action to another rather than the specific repetition of words or phrases. Clang association involves the use of words based on their sounds rather than their meaning, leading to the creation of nonsensical phrases that rhyme or have similar phonetic qualities. Disorganized speech includes a range of speech abnormalities, including incoherence and tangential responses, but it encompasses more than just the repetition of words. Echolalia specifically pinpoints the behavior of repeating what has been heard, making it the correct answer in this case.