36 definitions by Doc_B
A mental disorder marked by alternating periods of deep depression and extreme euphoria (mania). Contrary to popular belief, the violent mood swings associated with this illness are far more prolonged than ordinary emotional ups and downs, and the shifts of mood are sustained, lasting weeks, months or even years. The classic form of this condition is an extremely severe form of psychiatric disease but in more recent times milder variations more depressive-heavy and less manic have been included. It, however, remains very serious in all its forms and no group of people, mentally ill or mentally healthy, commit suicide half as much as manic-depressives do. It's a horrible disease and certainly not to be trivialised as just "mood swings".
by Doc_B May 1, 2015
Commonly used to refer to bipolar disorder, a serious psychiatric illness marked by alternating periods of extreme elation or irritability (mania) and severe depression.
by Doc_B April 17, 2015
A mental health condition characterised by recurring panic attacks and subsequent dread and avoidant behaviour in relation to the episodes.
Panic disorder can lead to agorophobia - a disorder which in its severest form renders the individual housebound.
by Doc_B April 14, 2015
A serious mental illness marked by violent and wild oscillations between extreme euphoria or irritability (mania) and deep depression. Although it is technically classified as a mood disorder, it is one of the few psychiatric conditions in which psychosis occurs; it is usually associated with severe manic states but profound depression may also cause delusions and hallucinations to emerge. The psychotic features are usually mood-congruent, e.g., believing oneself to be Jesus Christ and Lucifer for mania and depression respectively. It's an illness of extreme opposites in mood, thinking and energy levels and a severe mental disorder that, at least in its classic form, goes infinitely beyond what mentally healthy people experience and most certainly not to be trivialised. It is also worth noting that the mood swings associated with this disease are sustained and typically last weeks or months, years in the most extreme cases. Ultra-ultra rapid cycling (extreme mood shifts in a day) is exceedingly rare.
Bipolar affective disorder is a severe mental illness that in its most acute form is potentially worse than schizophrenia.
by Doc_B May 3, 2015
Also known as OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a neurotic mental illness in which intrusive, negative thoughts and/or impulses which regularly enter the person's mind (obsessions) are counteracted by repetitive acts or rituals performed to alleviate the anxiety and general distress created by these obsessions. It is possible to qualify for a diagnosis of OCD if only obsessions or compulsions are present, although the vast majority have both.
by Doc_B April 14, 2015
A relatively mild variant of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), marked by a watered-down version of autistic symptoms (e.g., poor social skills and communication) but perfectly intact language and intellectual abilities, which may range from average to unmeasurable genius. It is often associated with high IQ as their need for logic and often above-average mathematical and scientific skills make them STEM graduates.
Albert Einstein is hypothesised to have had Asperger's Syndrome.
by Doc_B April 14, 2015
by Doc_B April 14, 2015