A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |I | J | K | L Acetylcholine - neurotransmitter involved in a wide variety of functions including cognition, mood, sleep, and functioning of muscles, stomach, spleen, bladder, liver, sweat glands, blood vessels, and heart. Acrophobia fear of heights. Activation (arousal) process by which energy is mobilized by organism for meeting needs and attaining goals. Acute used to describe problems of relatively fast onset and short duration, usually with intense symptoms (vs. chronic) . Acute Combat Stress Reaction the result of psychological trauma experienced in combat environments that can lead to post traumatic stress disorder. Acute Stress Disorder - a stress disorder that occurs within four weeks following a traumatic event and that lasts for a minimum of two days and maximum of four weeks. ADAA - Anxiety Disorders Association of America Addiction - a preoccupation and compulsive use of an experience (food or gambling) or substance (alcohol or cocaine) despite the negative consequences. Often involves a loss of control and increasing tolerance for the substance. Not the same as dependence. Addictive Behavior behavior based on addiction (see addiction). Adjustment the result of a persons efforts to deal with stress, meet needs, and attain goals. Adrenal Cortex the outer layer of the adrenal glands that secretes adrenal steroids and other hormones. Adrenal Gland - endocrine glands located next to the kidneys that consist of the adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex and produce cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine . Adrenaline - see epinephrine Affect emotion or feeling. Affective Disorder all mood disorders, including depression and bipolar depression. Agitation noticeable and/or distressing restlessness and excitement. Agoraphobia - a fear of being in a situation in which escape would be difficult or help would not be available in the case of a panic attack. Often results in increasing avoidance of certain things, places or situations. Alarm Reaction (alarm and and mobilization reaction) the first stage of the so-called general adaptation syndrome by which the organism mobilizes its resources and defenses to cope with stress. Alcohol The consumption of alcoholic beverages may initially relieve anxiety for several hours. However, the post-intoxication effects of alcohol are generally thought to aggravate anxiety and panic. The use of alcohol may provoke anxiety and panic disorders. Alexithymia a pattern of behavior and personality in which people are unable to express emotion and distress except through somatic symptoms. Alienation the feeling of a lack of relationships or loss of relationships with others. Alternative Medicine treatment techniques that are not currently accepted by the medical establishment. Such techniques generally have unknown scientific value. Amnesia total or partial memory loss. Amphetamine substance that produces a stimulating and energizing effect. Amygdala - a region of the brain thought to be very important in the fear response. Androgen hormone associated with the development and maintenance of male characteristics. Anhedonia - a decreased ability or inability to experience pleasure or joy. Anorexia Nervosa disorder involving extreme loss of body weight, often occurs with an intense fear of gaining weight or being fat. Sometimes described as an obsessive compulsive (OC) spectrum disorder. ANT automatic negative thought. Anterograde Amnesia loss of memory for the events that happen after a shock or trauma. Anticipatory Anxiety see anxiety. Anxiety term used to describe a general chronic feeling about possible danger. Anxiety Attack - an intense episode of extremely uncomfortable anxiety, also known as a panic attack. Anxiety Disorder - a disorder characterized by unrealistic irrational and disabling fear or anxiety. Includes panic disorder with and without agoraphobia, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia, post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobia. Anxiogenic - something that generates anxiety. Anxiolytic - something that reduces/suppresses/cuts/takes away anxiety. APA American Psychiatric Association or American Psychological Association . Arachnophobia fear of spiders. Arousal see activation. Assertive Behavior - to effectively communicate suggestions or actions to others. Assertiveness see assertive behavior. Assertiveness Therapy (AT) behavior therapy with a focus on helping people to become more assertive. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) childhood disorder characterized by behavior that interferes with task oriented behavior such as impulsivity, excessive motor activity, and difficulty in focusing attention. Automatic Negative Thought (ANT) - an unpleasant thought which is automatically triggered by a situation and results in increased anxiety and avoidance and decreased effective coping. Attributions the causes or reasons we use to describe and explain what happens. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) the part of the nervous system that regulates the internal organs. The ANS may be further subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Autonomic Reactivity the degree to which a person shows emotional reactivity to stress. Different people show different amounts of autonomic reactivity. Autonomy independence, the sense of being an independent and self-reliant person. Aversion Therapy a form of behavior therapy in which punishment or aversive (negative/noxious) stimulation is used to eliminate undesired responses. Aversive Conditioning the use of aversive (negative/noxious) stimulation to decrease the frequency of unwanted behavior. Aversive Stimulus a negative or noxious stimulus that results in psychic or physical discomfort. Avoidance Conditioning a form of learning (conditioning) by which a person learns to avoid situations or places in order to avoid a negative consequence (anxiety). Avoidant Personality Disorder a personality style characterized by sensitivity to rejection, few social relationships, and low self-esteem. Basilar Artery - a major artery that supplies blood to the brain. Spasms of this artery can result in anxiety or panic attacks. Battle Fatigue - an old name for PTSD Behavioral Perspective the view that learning is central in determining and maintaining human behavior. Behavioral Sciences branch of science that focuses on the study of human behavior that includes the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Behavior Modification techniques based on learning theory that are used to change behavior. Behavioral Therapy (BT) - a form of psychotherapy in which the person learns to gain control of anxiety through exposure and relaxation techniques. Based on principles of learning theory. Biofeedback therapy technique in which person is taught to control bodily processes that are not normally considered to be under voluntary control, for example, heart rate and skin temperature. Biological Clocks each species has characteristic cyclic patterns of sleep, activity, and metabolism. Bipolar Disorder a mood disorder in which the person experiences both manic and depressive episodes. Blood Injury Phobia fear of the sight of blood or injury. BPD bipolar depression (see bipolar disorder) Breathing Exercise a variety of different exercises can be used to breath in a more calm manner in order to reduce stress. Brief Psychotherapy short term therapy of 8 to 12 sessions with a focus on restoring previous functioning and providing emotional support. Brontophobia fear of thunder. BT behavior therapy. Bulimia Nervosa recurrent episodes of binge eating that is often experienced as out of control and is often accompanied by efforts to purge (e.g., vomit) in order to prevent weight gain. Caffeine a chemical found in many drinks and foods. The negative effects of caffeine include restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, twitching, stomach upset and intoxication. Cardiac Disorder a disorder of the heart. Cardiac disorders include arrhythmias, mitral valve prolapse, etc. Such conditions often need to be considered in the diagnosis of panic disorder. Cardiovascular having to do with the heart and circulation of blood. CBT see cognitive behavior therapy CCK - cholecystokinin CFS chronic fatigue syndrome. Cholecystokinin (CCK) a tetrapeptide that causes symptoms of panic, especially when injected into people with panic disorder. Chromosomal Anomalies inherited vulnerabilities or defects in genes. Chromosomes the structures within the cell nucleus that contain the genes. Chronic term used to describe problems that are relatively permanent, ongoing, and stable. Claustrophobia fear of enclosed spaces or being trapped. Clinical Psychologist Psychotherapist with a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and specialized training in psychological assessment and psychotherapy. Clinical Psychology Branch of science concerned with understanding and changing maladaptive behavior. Cognition an act, product, or process of knowing, thinking, or perceiving. Cognitive Behavioral Perspective A theoretical approach to understand problem behavior that focuses on how thoughts and behavior are related to each other and how thoughts can become distorted in various ways and contribute to problem behavior. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) application of the cognitive behavioral perspective. A number of specific cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques are employed to challenge and alter thoughts and behavior. Cognitive Restructuring a CBT technique in which false or maladaptive beliefs are systematically challenged. Cognitive Therapy (CT) - a psychotherapy employed to treat anxiety by challenging and modification of thinking. Combat Exhaustion - an old name for PTSD Comorbid - occurring together Compulsions repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are performed over and over again in response to an obsessive thought (usually a fear) or until something feels just right. Compulsive used to describe thoughts or behavior that are driven by anxiety. Control Group a group of people who are given a placebo treatment in order to establish the safety and effectiveness of a medication or treatment. Coping Strategies whatever people do to cope with stress. In the long run, some coping strategies make things better and some (for example, avoidance) make things worse. Cortisol - hormone produced by the adrenal gland. Cortisol production increases during periods of stress. Chronically high cortisol levels are associated a variety of problems including depression and anxiety. Counseling supportive guidance. CT cognitive therapy. Cyclothymia a mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of hypomania and depression. Defense-Oriented Response behavior with the primary purpose of defending the organism against harm. Delusion a firm belief in something that is not true despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Delusional Disorder a type of psychotic disorder characterized by a delusional system. Delusional System a more or less coherent and comprehensive system of delusions. Demoralization the perception and feeling of being ineffective, and unable to solving problems, or control the current situation or the future. Depersonalization - an altered and unreal perception of ourselves, our feelings and/or our situation. Dependence a scientific/medical term used to describe the adaptation of the central nervous system to the ongoing presence of a drug. Not the same as addiction. Dependency the tendency to rely on others. Dependent Personality Disorder a personality style characterized by clinging and submissive behaviour and feelings of panic or anxiety when apart from others. Depersonalization a term used to describe the feeling or experience that one has lost ones personal identity, often a feeling that one is someone or something else. Depersonalization Disorder a dissociative disorder characterized by the pervasive feeling of loss of sense of self. Depression an emotional state characterized by sadness, unhappiness, anhedonia, helplessness, hopelessness, dejection, futility, and worthlessness. Depressive Personality Disorder a personality style that may involve a pervasive pattern of depressive cognitions that begins in early childhood or adolescence. Derealization a term used to describe the experience or feeling of an altered, distorted, unstable or unreal perception of reality. Desensitization a therapy technique in which reactions to anxiety producing situations are reduced in intensity by repeatedly exposing the person to them in a mild form, either in reality (in vivo) or through the use of techniques that encourage the person to imagine the situation while remaining in a state of relaxation. DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone Diagnosis a label used to describe the specific nature and extent of a problem. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of American Psychiatric Association (APA). The current version is DSM-IV. Diathesis a predisposing factor or prexisting vulnerability that makes a person more likely to develop a disorder. Diathesis-Stress Model a general model of stress response that views psychiatric/psychological problems to be the result of stress affecting an individual who has a pre-existing vulnerability or risk factor for developing a specific kind of problem. Disorientation mental confusion with respect to time, place or person. Dissociation - a term used to describe a psychological process in which attention is diverted from painful or traumatic thoughts or memories. Refers to the mental process by which thinking can be split off and continue independently of conscious awareness. DNA deoxyribonucleic acid, the main component of genes. Dominant Gene a gene that dictates the characteristics of the offspring. Dopamine a neurotransmitter (catecholamine) involved in a wide variety of functions. Double Blind Study - a scientific term used to describe a procedure for conducting research so that neither the researcher nor the participant know if the active medication or placebo is being used for that participant. Drug another term for medication. Drug Abuse the abuse of a substance to the extent that it interferes substantially in emotional, social and occupational functioning. Drug Addiction psychological and physiological substance dependence. DSM see diagnostic and statistical manual. Dysfunctional Beliefs rigid, extreme and unhelpful negative beliefs about the self and the world. Dysthymia mood disorder characterized by relatively long episodes of chronic depressed mood alternating with more brief periods of normal mood and functioning. ECG electrocardiogram (EKG) EEG - electroencephalogram EKG electrocardiogram (ECG) Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a device for measuring the electrical rhythms of the heart. Emetophobia fear of vomiting. Emotion feeling. Emotional Disturbance psychiatric/psychological disorder/problem. Empathy the ability to understand someone elses experience. Epinephrine (adrenaline) - a hormone and neurotransmitter secreted by the adrenal gland especially during high emotion that results in a variety of changes in the body including an increase in blood sugar and a rise in blood pressure. High levels of epinephrine have been associated with anxiety and panic attacks, and this condition can be diagnosed. Endocrine Glands ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into lymph or blood vessels. Endogenous Factors factors within the organism that determine behavior. Endorphins opiate-like substances produced in the pituitary gland and brain that are involved in the perception of pain. Epidemiology the study of the distribution of diseases in the population. Epilepsy a group of seizure disorders. Epinephrine see adrenaline. Episodic term used to describe a problem that tends to get better and worse over time. Equilibrium steady state, balance. Equilibrium - see Chlordiazepoxide. ERP exposure and response prevention therapy. Escape Learning term used to describe how animals and humans will learn to escape a situation to avoid a negative experience. Essential Hypertension a term used to describe high blood pressure with no known cause. Estrogens hormones secreted by ovaries that determine and maintain female sexual characteristics. Etiology term used to describe cause. Exacerbate to make worse. Exhaustion and Disintegration third and final stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) in which the organism can no longer resist stress. Exposure in cognitive behavioral or behavioral therapy a situation that a person puts themselves in on purpose in order to experience their anxiety and a reduction in their anxiety either over time or through repeated exposure. Existential Anxiety anxiety about finding ones place and/or meaning in the world. Exposure Therapy (ET) - a form psychotherapy in which anxiety is treated by gradual exposure to the feared object, situation, or thought. Exogenous having to due with external causes outside of the organism. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy - a form of Exposure Therapy used to treat OCD. Extinction gradual reduction of a response that occurs if the response is no longer reinforced. Extraversion a personality style characterized by an orientation towards the world of people and things. Fear a basic emotion that involves the activation of the fight or flight response. FMS fibromyalgia syndrome Flooding - an intense form of exposure therapy which the anxiety response is desensitized through massive exposure to the anxiety. GABA gamma-aminobutyric acid. GAD generalized anxiety disorder. Gambling wagering or betting on games and events that are largely determined by chance. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) The main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the nervous system. General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) a three stage model of the stress reaction that includes the alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion. Generalization the tendency of a learned response to one situation or object to transfer to other situations or objects. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic excessive and persistent worry about a number of issues such as family, health, or finances, when there is no obvious threat present. Generalized Reinforcer something (for example, money) that can influence a wide range of behaviors. Gene part of DNA that is responsible for the transmission of inherited characteristics. Genetic Code the way in which a cells DNA controls the types of proteins that will be made by the cell. Genetics the branch of science concerned with the study of the inheritance of traits and characteristics and the mechanisms by which these processes occur. Genotype the genetic characteristics inherited by the individual. GERD gastroesphageal reflux disease GI gastrointestinal (stomach and gut) Glucocorticoids adrenocortical hormones involved in sugar metabolism that also have effects on tissue repair and resistance to disease. Includes hydrocortisone, corticosterone, and cortisone. GP general practitioner (family doctor) Gromin - see Clomipramine. Group Therapy a format for psychotherapy in which a group of people share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, often with the guidance of a group leader. Habit a learned behavior that is a typical or customary pattern of response. Habituation the process by which a persons response to a feared stimulus is reduced over time following repeated exposure. Homework a term used in in cognitive behavioral or behavioral therapy to describe the assignments that people are asked to complete between therapy sessions. Heredity the genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to children. Homeostasis the tendency of an organism to maintain a steady state that permits a constant level of physiological functioning. Hormone - a product of an endocrine gland that is released into the blood that regulate development and activity in target tissues somewhere else at a distance in the body. Steroid hormones include cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. Non-steroid hormones include choleckystokinin, epinephrine, dopamine, insulin, norepinephrine, serotonin, and vasopressin. Hostility an emotional reaction that involves the thought and/or intent to destroy or damage something that is perceived as a threat. Housebound an inability to leave ones house. Common in severe cases of panic, agoraphobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Can also occur in social phobia. HRT hormone replacement therapy. Huntingtons Disease an disease of subcortical brain tissue that includes symptoms of jerking and twitching movements as well as a progressive deterioration of physical and mental functioning. Hyperactivity see attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Hypersensitivity - exaggerated sensitivity. People with panic disorder are often hypersensitive to internal bodily sensations such as heart rate, respiration, and stomach and intestinal movements. Hypersomnia - excessive sleeping. Hypertension high blood pressure. Hyperthyroid - a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone , resulting in a condition characterized by excessive energy and difficulty sleeping. Hyperventilation chronic excessive breathing that results in changes in carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and oxygen levels in the blood. Associated with intense anxiety. Can produce panic attacks. Hypervigilance extreme sensitivity to cues that may signal presence of feared object or situation. Hypnotherapy the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy. Hypochondria - an exaggerated concern about bodily processes and the possibility of having various diseases. Hypochondriac - someone who has hypochondria. Hypochondriasis - see hypochondria. Hypoglycemia - a condition characterized by low blood sugar that can result in fainting and some symptoms similar to anxiety-panic disorders. Hypomania a temporary mild to moderate elevated (manic) mood. Hypothalamus a structure at the base of the brain importantly involved in emotion and motivation. Hypothyroid - a thyroid disorder characterized by underproduction of hormone by the thyroid gland resulting in symptoms including exhaustion and excessive sleeping. IBS irritable bowel syndrome. ICD-10 current version of the International Classification of Diseases. Illusion the misinterpretation of sensory data leading to a false perception. Implosion a psychotherapy technique in which people are asked to imagine and relive traumatic events. Indoleamines - a family of monoamine hormones and neurotransmitters including serotonin and melatonin that are involved in many functions including sleep, biological rhythms, and vasoconstriction. Inner Ear Infection - an infection of the inner ear that can cause balance problems or a sense of lightheadedness. This condition can be medically diagnosed by an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. Insight term used to describe the degree to which someone appears to understand their own problems, motivation and inner life. Insomnia problem with falling asleep or waking up resulting in lack of sleep and fatigue. Instinct an inborn pattern of responding to certain situations or events that requires no learning. Intelligence the ability to learn, think (reason), and adapt to changing environmental conditions. International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) current system of classification of disorders/problems published by the World Health Organization. Interoceptive fear fear of internal bodily sensations or perceptions of bodily functions. Interpersonal Accomodation a reciprocal process by which individuals accommodate to each others behavior. Interpersonal Psychotherapy an approach to psychotherapy based on the idea that much of psychiatric/psychological problems are the result of maladaptive behavior that we ave learned in our previous interpersonal relationships. The focus of psychotherapy is on relationships. Introspection the process of observing and reporting on ones thoughts, feelings and inner experience. Introversion the tendency to direct ones attention and effort to the inner world of experience and concepts rather than people and external events. In Vivo taking place in real life as opposed to the imagination or the laboratory. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - chronic pain or discomfort associated with the lower intestine and bowels. Often occurs with anxiety disorders. Irritable Heart - an old term for panic disorder. Jacksonian seizure - a transient epileptic seizure caused by abnormal electrical activity that is localized to a small area of the brain. A Jacksonian seizure produces a brief alteration in movement, sensation or nerve function nut usually no change in alertness or awareness. Kanner syndrome (autism) - Refers to a number of related disorders characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, repetitive and unusual behavior. Many people with autism are non-verbal. Lability relative instability of emotion or affect. Law of effect learning principal that says that behavior that is rewarded will be strengthened and behaviour with negative consequences will become weaker or diminish. Learning the modification of behavior as the result of experience. Learning Disabled term used to describe people who have problems with academic skills. Libido - sexual drive, sexual desire, drive for sexual gratification. A normal libido requires healthy levels of both testosterone and dopamine. Dopamine inhibits prolactin which can reduce sexual drive and desire. Life Crisis situation or events that exceed a persons ability to cope. Lifetime Prevalence the proportion of people in a given population who have ever had a disorder. Lightheaded a feeling that you might faint.
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