A patient has been repeating the same phrase continuously for some time. Before revealing the answer, decide how you would explore whether this is verbigeration.

Note whether the repetition is continuous and sustained, involving one or several sentences or strings of fragmented words, rather than a single short phrase, and whether it is delivered in a notably monotonous tone of voice. Establish whether it occurs spontaneously, unconnected to any question you have asked, or whether it was specifically triggered by being asked something, since both patterns are recognised. Listen for whether the repeated content ever becomes strings of incomprehensible jargon with stereotyped phrases embedded within it, and check for accompanying catatonic motor signs, since verbigeration frequently occurs alongside these in the same presentation.