Doc_B's definitions

Mania

A state of mental and physical overactivity characterised by pressured speech, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, extreme irritability or elation and, not infrequently, delusions and hallucinations (i.e., psychosis). It is most commonly associated with bipolar disorder, a serious mental condition in which sufferers alternate between mania and depression.

True mania is a terrifying thing to witness and rarely forgotten.

by Doc_B May 4, 2015

Tourette's Syndrome

A neurological characterised by involuntary motor and phonic tics. This severe form of tic disorder affects males at approximately thrice the rate of females and is usually chronic.

Person A: why does that guy keep swearing and shaking his head?
Person B: he has Tourette's Syndrome.

by Doc_B April 16, 2015

Special needs

A term used to refer to someone with either an intellectual disability or, in a broader context, any condition that may pose problems in an educational setting, which can include non-behavioural or learning disorders, e.g., diabetes.

A statement of special needs absolutely does not imply retardation.

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

Asperger's Syndrome

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

panic disorder

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

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

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.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is much more than being quirky or a bit of a neat freak.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015