Doc_B's definitions

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

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

Clinical depression

Also referred to as major depressive disorder, major depression, unipolar disorder or simply depression, this illness is a psychiatric condition marked by severe feelings of despondency and dejection, typically accompanied by changes in eating and sleeping habits, anhedonia (loss of interest), fatigue, somatic pain and, at the extreme, suicide ideation. Also occurs in bipolar disorder (depressed phase).

Clinical depression is a serious mental illness and quite different to the ordinary sadness we all experience from time to time.

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

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

Misophonia

A mental illness marked by extreme aversion to certain soft sounds, such as eating noises and nose sniffling. The condition is newly-defined and rarely diagnosed.

Misophonia causes pain and anguish for the ill person, as well as those around them.

by Doc_B May 1, 2015