Doc_B's definitions

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

Bipolar affective disorder

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 4, 2015

Taciturn

Someone who isn’t particularly-socially-inclined (at all) and only talks when they have to. Restrained, reticent.

Person A: ‘I tried milking a few personal musings out of him as he was filling out his insurance form but I might as well have been talking to a log of ice. Is he just naturally quite introverted or is there something up with him?’

Person B: ‘no, he’s actually quite outgoing but he has a tendency to be quite taciturn around people who’s not that familiar with. He doesn’t do small-talk or say any more than he absolutely has to around people he doesn’t know that well but he’s not especially-introverted, nor does he dislike you, per se (I doubt it). He probably just doesn’t care to get to know you better.’

by Doc_B August 15, 2022

ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a behavioural condition (typically of childhood, but can persist into adult life) marked by a cluster of symptoms, including: hyperactivity, distractability, inattention and fidgeting. It is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls and most commonly treated with Ritalin.

If you ask me, ADHD is just an excuse for naughty schoolboys to not pay attention in school.

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

Delusion

A false belief which cannot be explained by cultural norms and that the patient often holds strongly. There are many forms, two of which are grandiose (e.g., the belief that one is God) and persecutory (e.g., thinking that aliens are trying to kill him or her). Delusions are a form of psychosis which often occur in the course of a severe mental disorder, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

The belief that aliens reside in one's nose is a delusion.

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