A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |I | J | K | L Major Depressive Disorder mood disorder in which only symptoms of depression occur. Maladaptive Behavior behavior that works against the individual or the group. Maladjustment relative inability or failure of the organism to adapt to the environment. Mania an emotional/psychological state characterized by unrealistic feelings of excitement, invincibility, power, energy, intelligence, and euphoria. MCS multiple chemical sensitivity. Medical Model the perspective that psychiatric/psychological problems are the result of disordered or abnormal physiology or structure, rather than the result of learning or thinking. Medication - a chemical substance that has a medical affect on the body. There are a wide variety of classes of medications used to treat anxiety disorders; including benzodiazepines, MAOIs, SRIs, SARIS, SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs. Medicine an academic discipline devoted to the understanding and treatment of disorders of the human body. Melancholic Subtype subtype of depression that involves a loss of pleasure (anhedonia), sleep problems, changes in eating appetite, motor agitation or retardation, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Melatonin - a hormone produced by the pineal gland that is derived from serotonin and involved in a number of functions including biological circadian rhythms and sleep. Migraine an intensely painful recurring headache that often involves only one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and visual disturbance. Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) - a relatively benign cardiac condition involving a heart valve abnormality. MVP has been associated with autonomic nervous system dysfunction and some anxiety disorders in which case it is referred to as Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome. Model an analogy that helps a scientist understand how something works. Modeling a powerful form of learning in which ppeople learn by watching someone else (the model) do something. Monoamines - a class of hormones/neurotransmitters that includes the catecholamines (dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine) and the indoleamines (serotonin and melatonin). Mood Disorders problems characterized by disturbances of mood that are are intense enough to cause suffering and maladaptive behavior. MVP = mitral valve prolapse. Narcotic Drugs substances such as morphine that lead to increasing tolerance and physiological dependence. Negative Automatic Thoughts negative thoughts about the self and the future that occur automatically and often just below the surface of conscious awareness. Negative Cognitive Triad negative thoughts about the self, the world and the future. Nervous used to describe the experience or feeling of anxiety, also used to describe the "nervous system" of the human body as studied in neurology. Nervous Disease an old name for any anxiety or panic disorder. Nervous Exhaustion an old name for any anxiety or panic disorder. Nervous Heart an old name for any anxiety or panic disorder. Neurology the field of medicine primarily concerned with the study of disorders of the brain and nervous system. Neuron an individual nerve cell. Neurosis an old term used to describe any anxiety, depressive, or obsessive compulsive disorder. Neurotic Behavior behavior that is driven and anxiety and involves extreme avoidance. Neuroticism - a style of behavior characterized by anxiety, anger, hostility, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness, and vulnerability. Neurotransmitter - a chemical substance that transmits information from one neuron to another neuron at a very short distance. Neurotransmitters are released by nerve cells into the extracellular space at synapses. The release of neurotransmitter then produces either excitation or inhibition of an immediately neighboring nerve cell. Many substances act bothas hormones in the blood and neurotransmitters in either the central or peripheral nervous systems. Neurotransmitters in the brain can be generally divided into two large classes. Classical neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, are synthesized in nerve terminals close to the synapse, whereas the neuropeptide neurotransmitters, such as the endorphins, are synthesized in body of the nerve cell. Nicotine the addictive alkaloid that is the main active ingredient in tobacco. May have an antidepressant as well as an addictive effects. NIH National Institute of Health (United States). NIMH National Institute of Mental Health (United States). Nocturnal Bruxism term used to describe the clenching and/or grinding of teeth during sleep. Noradrenaline - see norepinephrine. Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) - a hormone and neurotransmitter (catecholamine) that is produced by the adrenal gland and is involved in a variety of functions including (sympathetic) arousal. Normal Distribution the tendency of most people to cluster around central point or average when measured on any given trait or behavior, with the remaining people more spread out towards the two extremes. NREM sleep that is not characterized by rapid eye movements (REM). Obsessions persistent and recurrent thoughts, impulses, or images, that are experienced as intrusive and disturbing but are difficult to suppress or control. Obsessive used to describe persistent and recurrent unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) an anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive and compulsive symptoms. Obsessive Compulsive Personality a personality style characterized by concern with maintaining order, control and following the rules. Obsessive Compulsive (OC) Spectrum Disorders a diverse group of problems/conditions that have been considered to perhaps be related to OCD including compulsive gambling, trichotillomania, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), hypochondriasis, somatization disorder, Tourette Syndrome (TS), Autism, Asbergs Syndrome, kleptomania, eating disorders including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, and various disorders of impulse control. Obsessive Disorder - a disorder characterized by persistent and recurrent unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses but few or no compulsions. OCD obsessive compulsive disorder. Operant Conditioning a form of learning by which a response is rewarded to increase the likelihood that is will happen again. OTC over-the-counter (non-prescription) medication. Outcome Research used to describe studies of the effectiveness of treatments. Overt Behavior behavior that can be observed by another person and can therefore be measured. Oxytocin - a hormone with a number of functions including muscle contraction and nerve sensitivity. PA panic attack. PD panic disorder. Panic the basic emotion of fear that involves activation of the fight or flight response. Usually a natural and healthy response to real danger. Exaggerated or chronic panic (false alarms) in the absence of real danger is a key feature of panic disorder. Panic Attack (PA) (Anxiety Attack)- an episode of panic that resembles an extreme form of the fear response. Panic Disorder (PD) - an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring unexpected panic attacks in the absence of real danger. Often associated with agoraphobic avoidance and agoraphobia. Paranoia a term used to describe behavior that usually results from delusions and an impaired contact with reality but not necessarily with the severe disorganization observed in schizophrenia. Paranoid Personality a personality style characterized by supisciousness and distrust of others. Parasympathetic Nervous System the part of the autonomic nervous system that controls most basic metabolic processes. Passive Behavior a term used describe behavior by which people typically yield or differ to the opinion, suggestions or decisions of others. Pathological Gambling - a pattern of addiction to gambling. Perception the interpretation of sensory input. Perceptual Filtering a variety of processes by which we selectively attend to certain aspects of our environment and ignore others in order to avoid being overwhelmed by perceptual input. Influenced greatly by fear and anxiety. Performance Anxiety fear of performing in front of others, typically public speaking but can also be using the telephone, working, writing, eating, or drinking in front of others. Peripheral Nervous System the nerve fibres and tracts that link the central nervous system (brain and sinal chord) to the sense organs, glands and muscles. Pernicious Anemia - a blood disorder which can result in symptoms similar to those of anxiety disorders. Perseveration repetition of a response beyond what is appropriate. Personality the unique pattern of traits that characterizes any given individual. Personality Disorders long standing patterns of inflexible and maladaptive behavior that interfere significantly with emotional, social, an occupational functioning. Pessimistic Attributional Style the tendency to make internal, global, and stable attributions about negative life events. Pharmacodynamics the study of how drugs act in the body and especially in the brain Pharmacology - the branch of science concerned with understanding the clinical application and effects of medications. Pharmacotherapy medication therapy. Pharmacokinetics the study of how the body acts on drugs, for example, metabolism and excretion. Phenochromocytoma - a tumor of the adrenal gland that results in the over- production of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Phenylethylamine - a pleasure-producing chemical that is a natural ingredient in chocolate and is usually associated with the functioning of the limbic system. Phobia - an exaggerated fear of a particular object or situation. Pineal Gland small gland at the base of the brain involved in the regulation of biological rhythms and perhaps sexual development. Placebo (sugar pill) a technique or medication that contains no active ingredient and presumably therefore has no physical benefit. Placebos are generally administered in such a way that the person is reasonably sure that they are in fact receiving the active treatment. Placebos are often used in the study of the effectiveness of new medications to distinguish between the medical/physical and the purely psychological affects of taking a medication. Placebo Effect the psychological effect of taking a placebo. PMS premenstrual syndrome. Polygenic caused by the interactive effects of many genes. Porphyria - a disorder due to problems with porphyrin metabolism that results in symptoms including confusion, nausea, acute abdominal pain, and sensitivity to sun-exposure. Positive reinforcer anything that increases the probability of a behavior happening again. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) an anxiety disorder that results from exposure to a traumatic event. Postural Hypotension a decrease in blood pressure that occurs following a change in posture (usually when moving from sitting to standing) that can result in various symptoms including dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Post-Vietnam Syndrome an old name for post traumatic stress disorder. PPD post partum depression. Predisposition anything that increases the probability that a person will develop a problem under stress. Premenstral Syndrome (PMS) a variety of physical and psychological symptoms that can be associated with the onset of menstruation. Prevalence the number of active cases of a given problem that can be identified at any given time. Primary Reaction Tendancies - characteristics that we are born with and that are apparent in infancy such as sensitivity changes in the environment and activity level. Prolactin - a hormone. Excess prolactin production that results from hypothyroidism, some medications, and stress can result in a number of symptoms including reduce sex drive and desire (libido). Prolactin release is controlled by dopamine levels. Problem Drinker a person who has serious problems that are associated with drinking. Prognosis a prediction about what will likely happen to a person with a disorder/problem. Protective Factors factors that lessen a persons chances of developing problems in response to stress. Psychiatrist - a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry and receives specialized training in the provision of psychiatric assessment and treatment. Psychiatry - a field of medicine concerned with how physical and chemical interactions in the brain and body result in mental and emotional problems as well as treating those disorders. Psychoactive Drugs drugs that affect mental functioning. Psychoanalysis - a type of psychotherapy with a focus on issues of itrapsychic dynamics of emotional conflict and repression, usually attributed to a variety of important experiences in childhood. Psychoanalyst - any psychiatrist, psychologist, or other person who practices psychoanalysis. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy - see psychoanalysis. Psychogenic a term used to describe something of psychological origin, caused by psychological factors. Psychologist - a person who completes a Ph.D. in psychology and receives specialized training in psychological assessment and treatment. Psychology the scientific discipline concerned with the study of behavioral, mental and emotional processes. Psychomotor refers to psychological and physical activity level. Psychomotor retardation slowing down of psychological and motor activity. Psychoneurosis an old name for any anxiety, depressive or obsessive compulsive disorder. Psychopharmacology the study of drugs used to treat psychiatric/psychological conditions/problems. Psychosis a mental disorder/condition characterized by loss of contact with reality, often with hallucinations or delusions. Psychosomatic a term used to describe symptoms that that appear to be the result of a physical problem but are actually the result of psychological factors. Psychotherapist a general (generic) term used to describe any person with any credentials who practices any kind of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy a term that can be used to describe any psychological therapy in which problems are treated with psychological methods. PTSD - see Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. qd (as on a prescription) - qd (sometimes written QD or q.d.) means one a day (from the Latin quaque die). q_h (as on a prescription) - From the Latin word "quaque (once) and "h" for number of hours. So, for example, if a medicine is to be taken every 6 hours, it is written "q_h 6". Quality of life - An increasingly important consideration in medicine. The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Rapid Cycling a pattern of bipolar symptoms that includes at least four manic or depressive episodes per year. Relapse the return of symptoms after a relatively brief period of time. Relaxation Technique - any psychological or physical exercise engaged in to produce a feeling of relaxation including breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga. REM rapid eye movement sleep. Remission apparent complete recovery that may or may not be permanent or enduring. Resilience the ability to overcome challenges, obstacles and threats. Respiratory Disease - a disease of the lungs (such as asthma) that may result in symptoms similar to anxiety. Reticular Activating System (RAS) the system of nerve fibers that go from the reticular formation at the base of the brain throughout the higher brain centers that are involved in general arousal. Reticular Formation a portion of the brain stem that plays an important role in general arousal and attention. Rigidity the tendency to cope the same way, despite the problems that result from that coping style, usually associated with a failure to see problems with the coping style and difficulties in trying new behavior. SAD seasonal affective disorder. Schema the way in which a variety of information about any given behavior or knowledge is organized in the mind so that responses can occur relatively automatically and thinking is efficient. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - a depressive disorder usually associated with the winter months. Self esteem ones feeling of personal worth. Self Help treatment that is applied or practiced without the guidance of a professional therapist. Self Medication - the use of substances (e.g., medications, alternative therapies, substances of abuse) for symptom relief without the guidance of a doctor. Self Monitoring a psychotherapy technique in which one is asked to observe and monitor their own behavior. Separation Anxiety Disorder an anxiety disorder of childhood characterized by a variety of unrealistic fears about safety, oversensitivity, and chronic anxiety. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HT) - a hormone and neurotransmitter (an indoleamine) important in a variety of functions including appetite, sleep, depression and anxiety and depression. Sign an observable characteristic of a physical or psychiatric problem/condition. Simple Phobia see specific phobia. Simple Tension Headaches headaches that result from prolonged contraction of the muscles of the head and neck due to stress. SNRI - see Dual Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors Social Phobia - a persistent and exaggerated fear of social situations that often includes fears of humiliation, embarrassment, rejection, and being observed. Most often treated with SSRIs and/or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Social Work - psychotherapy that emphasizes family and community relationships. Somatic having to do with the body. Stage of Exhaustion the third stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) in which the organism can no longer resist stress. Stage of Resistance second stage of the general adaptation syndrome during which the organism actively tries to cope with stress. Startle Reaction/Response the sudden and involuntary reaction to unexpected events or stimulation. Status Panicus - a consecutive series of panic attacks that can last for hours or days. Stimulants substances that increase feelings of alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue. Stress - biological or psychological variables that result in a change in adaptation and a change in physical or mental health. Stress is most often associated with a changing environment. Stress- Inoculation Training/Therapy a type of psychotherapy that focuses on teaching self-instruction to cope with negative thoughts and stress. Stress tolerance the degree and nature of stress that a person can tolerate. Stressor - anything that causes stress and results in coping behavior. Substance Abuse a pattern of substance use that results in significant negative consequences to the individual or others. Substance Dependence a pattern of behavior that results in increased tolerance for the substance, physiological and psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Support Group a group of people that meets together to share encouragement and information. Surdomutism - an inability to speak due to fear. Sympathetic Division division of nervous system responsible for activation of bodily responses under extreme conditions including emotional arousal and physical effort. Symptom reports of experience of a problem that is reported by the patient. Syndrome a pattern of signs and symptoms that tend to group together in a disorder. Tachycardia rapid heart beat. Taper - to gradually decrease dosage of a medication. Temperment the style of a persons emotional responding and arousal that is thought to be inherited or otherwise biologically determined. Tension the state of readiness or arousal that the organism experiences as it mobilizes the bodys resources to cope with a threat. Therapy a generic term used to describe the application of any medical, psychiatric, psychological or alternative designed to promote health and well being. Thyroid Gland the endocrine gland located in the neck that produces thyroid hormone. Thyroid Disorder - a dysfunction of the thyroid gland can produce symptoms similar to the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Tinnitus symptoms of this disorder include the perception of a constant ringing or roaring noise in the ears or head. TIR traumatic incident reduction therapy. Tolerance - resistance to the effects of a medication or substance of abuse. An increased dose is required to achieve the same effect. Trait a stable characteristic of a person that can be measured. Trauma a severe physical or psychological stressor. Traumatic referring to physical or psychological shock. Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) the use of guided imagery to treat post traumatic stress disorder. Trichotillomania - Compulsive hair pulling from the head or any other part of the body. Often referred to as an obsessive compulsive spectrum disorder and may be related to OCD. Triscadecaphobia - a fear of the number 13. Type A Behavior a style of behavior characterized by hostility and an excessively competitive drive to succeed that can be observed in some people under conditions of stress. Underarousal lack of adequate response to a stimulus. Unipolar mood disorder in which only depressive symptoms occur (vs bipolar) Vertigo - a feeling/experience of dizziness or weakness often associated with anxiety. Often, but not only, associated with a fear of heights (acrophobia). Virtual Reality Exposure (VRE) Therapy - an exposure therapy in which artificial or computer-generated situations are presented to produce sensory experiences similar to that of real-life feared situations. VRE virtual reality exposure. War Neurosis - an old name for post traumatic stress disorder. Withdrawal emotional, intellectual or physical retreat. Withdrawal symptoms the physical symptoms of withdrawal from a substance that may include sweating, tremors, tension, and delerium. X Chromosome the chromosomes that determine sex. All female gametes contain two X chromosomes while male gametes contain One X and one Y chromosome. Y Chromosome - All female gametes contain two X chromosomes while male gametes contain one X and one Y chromosome. Yoga - A way of life that includes physical exercise, diet and an ethical system. Yoga and other forms of meditation and relaxation have been shown to have considerable health benefits for people with anxiety and depression. Zoophobia - An abnormal and persistent fear of animals. Zoophobia can cause avoidance and panic.
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