A patient repeats the exact words spoken by others.

• A. Echolalia
• B. Perseveration
• C. Neologisms
• D. Clanging

Answer: (A)

Echolalia is the repetition of exact words spoken by others. It reflects automatic imitation of speech rather than the person generating original language. It can occur immediately after hearing a phrase or be delayed, with phrases heard in the past echoed later. This pattern shows preserved reproduction of speech without integrated, purposeful communication and is seen in conditions like autism spectrum disorders, catatonia, and some psychotic disorders, as well as normal language learning in young children. It’s distinct from perseveration, which is the repetitive return to a single idea or behavior regardless of context; neologisms, which are new, invented words; and clanging, where speech is organized by sound or rhyme rather than meaning.