Which disorder includes episodes of disorganized speech?

The disorder characterized by episodes of disorganized speech is schizophrenia. This condition is a severe mental illness that typically manifests through symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and significant disruptions in thought processes, which can lead to disorganized speech. In schizophrenia, individuals may experience a breakdown in logical connections when speaking, resulting in incoherence or a disorganized sequence of thoughts being expressed verbally. This symptom is part of a broader category referred to as "formal thought disorder," which is a hallmark of the diagnosis.

In contrast, the other disorders listed do not typically feature disorganized speech as a defining characteristic. Major Depressive Disorder primarily involves pervasive sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other mood-related symptoms. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is marked by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, focusing more on anxiety and compulsions rather than disorganized thought. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder involves re-experiencing traumatic events and increased arousal but is not characterized by disordered speech patterns like those seen in schizophrenia.