Doc_B's definitions

Mental health

A general state of emotional and psychological well-being, as manifest by the ability to cope with and meet the demands of everyday life.

Many people suffering from mental health problems are reluctant to get the help they need.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Informally referred to as a "shrink".

She was referred to a psychiatrist on account of her long-standing battle with depression.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Autism

A broad range of complex neurodevelopmental disabilities marked by such symptoms as severe deficits in social interaction and communication, restricted and strong interests and inflexibility (love of routine).

Most people think Rainman when they think autism.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Misophonia

A rarely diagnosed mental condition in which negative emotional experiences (from annoyance to extreme rage) are triggered by specific sounds, which can be either loud or soft. Nose sniffling, eating and breathing noises and tapping are all examples of trigger sounds for people suffering from this illness.

Misophonia, a sound sensitivity disorder, causes untold suffering and social withdrawal.

by Doc_B April 15, 2015

Psychiatric disorder

An illness of the mind or brain which causes major disruption in a person's thinking, feelings and behaviour, and which is serious enough to require medical intervention. Also known as mental illness or mental disorder.

Schizophrenia is a very severe psychiatric disorder.

by Doc_B April 16, 2015

Psychosis

A form of severe mental disturbance marked by loss of contact with reality, as manifest by the presence of delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices which do not exist). Usually associated with serious psychiatric illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Many people suffering from psychosis lack insight into their condition.

by Doc_B May 1, 2015

Insane

The state of suffering a severe mental disorder, typically in which the afflicted individual can no longer differentiate between reality and fantasy (psychosis).

His later years were spent in an insane asylum.

by Doc_B April 16, 2015