Psychiatry Glossary

The observable expression of emotion, as assessed during a mental status examination (e.g., flat, blunted, labile, congruent).

An anxiety disorder characterized by fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult, such as crowds, public transport, or open spaces.

The inability to experience pleasure from activities that are normally enjoyable; a core symptom of major depressive disorder.

A medication used to reduce anxiety. Major classes include benzodiazepines, buspirone, and certain antidepressants.

A mood disorder characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with episodes of depression. Subtypes include Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymia.

A neuropsychiatric syndrome featuring motor abnormalities including immobility, excessive movement, mutism, posturing, and waxy flexibility.

An atypical antipsychotic reserved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Requires regular blood monitoring due to the risk of agranulocytosis.

A fixed, false belief held with conviction despite evidence to the contrary. Types include persecutory, grandiose, referential, and somatic.

Now called Persistent Depressive Disorder in DSM-5. A chronic, low-grade depressive state lasting at least two years in adults.

Movement-related side effects of antipsychotic medications, including dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia.

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Reduced GABA activity is associated with anxiety, and benzodiazepines work by enhancing GABA function.

A sensory perception occurring without external stimulus. Can be auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory. Auditory hallucinations are most common in schizophrenia.

The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, published by the World Health Organization. Used alongside the DSM for diagnosing mental disorders internationally.

A period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy, lasting at least seven days. Features include grandiosity, decreased sleep need, pressured speech, and impulsive behavior.

A class of medications used to treat bipolar disorder by reducing mood swings. Includes lithium and certain anticonvulsants (valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine).

A rare, life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications characterized by high fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered consciousness.

A disorder characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

An enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from cultural expectations, is pervasive, inflexible, and leads to distress or impairment.

A mental state involving a loss of contact with reality, typically manifesting as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

A disorder developing after exposure to a traumatic event, characterized by intrusive re-experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions and mood, and hyperarousal.

A chronic psychotic disorder characterized by positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (flat affect, avolition), and cognitive deficits. Typically onset in late adolescence to early adulthood.

Thoughts about or preoccupation with ending one's own life, ranging from passive wishes to active planning with specific method and intent.

The ratio between the toxic dose and the therapeutic dose of a medication. A narrow therapeutic index (e.g., lithium) requires careful monitoring.

In psychodynamic therapy, the unconscious redirection of feelings from past relationships onto the therapist, used as a tool for understanding relational patterns.

Major depressive disorder that has failed to respond adequately to at least two different antidepressant medications given at adequate doses for adequate duration.