Perseveration

Perseveration is the uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by brain injury or other organic disorder.

If an issue has been fully explored and discussed to a point of resolution it is not uncommon for something to trigger the re-investigation of the matter. This can happen at any time during a conversation. This is particularly true with those who have had traumatic brain injuries.

Those with Asperger's syndrome also display a form of perseveration in that they focus on one or a number of narrow interests. A person with Asperger's might go to a department store repeatedly to look at air conditioners.

Several researchers have tried to connect perseveration with a lack of inhibition; however, this connection could not be found, or was small.

See also

• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Asperger's syndrome

References