Glossary

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can impact functioning in various areas of life, such as school, work, and relationships.

Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive substance use or behavior, despite harmful consequences. It involves a lack of control over the behavior, cravings, and continued use despite negative effects on health, relationships, or other areas of life.

Adjustment disorder is a mental health condition characterized by difficulty coping with or adjusting to a specific stressful event or change in life, leading to emotional and behavioral symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, or trouble concentrating.

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a chronic condition marked by the compulsive consumption of alcohol despite negative consequences, such as health issues, relationship problems, and impaired daily functioning. It involves physical dependence, tolerance, and difficulty controlling or stopping drinking behavior.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. People with ASPD often exhibit behaviors such as deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggression, and a lack of remorse for their actions.

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger, but when it becomes excessive and interferes with daily life, it can be classified as a mental health disorder. It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that are often accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or sweating.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect energy levels, activity, sleep, and judgment.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It can also involve physical symptoms like changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a childhood mood disorder characterized by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation and inconsistent with developmental level. Children with DMDD have chronic irritability and difficulty regulating their emotions.

Eating disorders are mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy attitudes and behaviors towards food and weight, leading to severe disturbances in eating habits and often resulting in significant physical and psychological consequences.

Insomnia, or sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, despite having the opportunity to sleep. It can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and impaired functioning.

Mood disorders are mental health conditions characterized by persistent disturbances in mood, such as depression, mania, or a combination of both, significantly impacting a person’s emotional state, behavior, and overall well-being.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety or distress.

Opioid addiction is a chronic medical condition characterized by the compulsive use of opioid drugs despite harmful consequences, including physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning and overall well-being.

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and a sense of impending doom or loss of control.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event, which persist long after the trauma has occurred.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to menstruation. These symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, bloating, fatigue, and breast tenderness.

Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions characterized by a loss of contact with reality. Symptoms may include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (false beliefs).

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. It often involves hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social functioning.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, typically in the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It’s thought to be related to changes in light exposure, leading to symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, and changes in sleep and appetite.

Sleep disorders refer to a variety of conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, resulting in difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and impaired functioning.

Stimulant addiction refers to a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of stimulant drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, despite adverse effects on physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. It involves a pattern of tolerance, dependence, and cravings, leading to difficulties in controlling or stopping drug use.

Substance use disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a problematic pattern of using alcohol or drugs, leading to significant impairment or distress. It involves a lack of control over substance use, continued use despite negative consequences, and may include tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.

Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It can result from various events, such as accidents, violence, or natural disasters, and may lead to emotional, psychological, or physical harm.