Ch 9 Nervous System: Mental Disorders

anxiety disorders

A group of mental disorders that share the core characteristic of anxiety (excessive worry, nervousness, or uneasiness)

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry that is not restricted to specific situations or objects; often associated with physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, tremors, sweating, nausea, or headaches

obsessive - compulsive disorder (OCD)

an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and/or actions (compulsions)

panic disorder (PD)

Disorder characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of intense anxiety and fear; includes physical symptoms that imitate a heart attack, as well as a general sense of loss of control.

phobia

Exaggerated fear of a specific object or situation that causes anxiety and panic

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Condition resulting from an extremely traumatic experience, illness, or injury that triggers persistent thoughts and memories of the experience.

developmental disorders

A group of mental disorders characterized by disruption of normal development during childhood.

attention-deficit/hyper activity disorder (ADHD)

Chronic mental disorder in which a person is frequently distracted, is hyperactive, and displays a lack of impulse control.

autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Developmental disability characterized by difficulty communicating with others and focusing beyond oneself; inability to maintain eye contact; motor activity that is repetitious; and preoccupation with small objects. commonly diagnosed by the age of three.

dyslexia

A learning disorder characterized by difficulty in recognizing and comprehending written language. Affects reading and spelling abilities as well as self-expression.

intellectual disability (ID)

Condition of below-average intelligence resulting in the inability to develop skills necessary for daily living.

eating disorders

A group of mental disorders characterized by an unhealthy focus on weight and food.

anorexia nervosa

an eating disorder in which an irrational fear of weight gain leads people to starve themselves

bulimia nervosa

an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging

mood disorders

A group of mental disorders marked by depression that may alternate with periods of elation

bipolar disorder

mood disorder in one experiences both manic and depressed episodes

depression

A prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness

seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

a mood disorder caused by the body's reaction to low levels of sunlight in the winter months

psychotic disorders (psychoses)

a group of mental disorders characterized by loss of touch with reality, hallucinations, and delusions

postpartum psychosis

A mental condition marked by psychotic symptoms in a mother following the birth of her child; characterized by confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, obsessive thoughts about the infant, paranoia, sleep disturbances, and/or attempts to harm the infant or self.

schizo affective disorder

A mental disorder that produces distorted thought processes and emotional perceptions; characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and/or periods of unresponsiveness.

substance-abuse disorders

Mental disorders resulting from abusive use of substances such as drugs, alcohol, or toxins;