Doc_B's definitions

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

Dissociative identity disorder

Formerly known as "multiple personality disorder" and/or "split personality", DID is a severe mental illness in which the person has two or more distinct personalities, which form entirely different memories and characteristics. Commonly confused with schizophrenia.

Dissociative identity disorder is extremely difficult to treat.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Mood disorder

A mood or affective disorder is a major type of mental illness in which emotions are significantly disturbed. Examples include clinical depression and the more severe bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder that in its most extreme form has much more in common with schizophrenia than depression.

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

Psychosis

A severe mental disturbance in which the individual loses touch with reality, often experiencing delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices that do not exist).

Mike's psychosis was triggered by smoking too much weed.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Schizoaffective disorder

A severe and relatively rare form of mental illness in which a significant mood disorder (depression or bipolar disorder) is interspersed with periods of chronic psychosis even when the person's mood is normal. Less than 0.5% of the population are said to have this condition.

He has schizoaffective disorder, depressive type.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015