TRAUT: a Rorschach index for screening thought disorder. Tripartite Classification of Autisms

TRAUT, a new approach to the recognition and classification of perceptions on the Rorschach indicative of thought disorder, is based on the rationale that so-called autisms are really "absurdities" that lead to interpretive contradictions. Advantages of TRAUT's logically derived definitions include clarity, generalizeability, and teachability. TRAUT categorizes autisms according to whether they ignore the blot (HYPO), circumvent the task (HYPER) or rationalize counterfactual images by spatial juxtaposition (RELER). Norms and significance tests are presented, demonstrating that thought-disordered patients produce higher TRAUT scores than nonthought-disordered patients and normal individuals. TRAUT categories were also able to differentiate among various types of thought-disordered patients.