Depression & Anxiety

What are Anxiety Disorders?

Mental health conditions characterized by persistent and excessive fear or worry that negatively affect daily activities and functioning.

What is the DSM-5?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition; it is a comprehensive classification system for diagnosing various mental health disorders and is widely used by mental health professionals.

What is Major Depressive Disorder?

A significant mood disorder marked by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a notable decrease in interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed.

What is Dysthymia?

A long-lasting form of depression that is less severe than Major Depressive Disorder, characterized by a consistently low mood lasting for at least two years.

What is Anhedonia?

The psychological condition where individuals are unable to experience pleasure or interest in activities that are typically enjoyable.

What is Psychomotor retardation?

A common symptom in depression involving a noticeable slowdown in both mental processes and physical movements.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

A therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, fostering a systematic and goal-oriented process to promote emotional well-being.

What is Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

A medical intervention used primarily for severe depression, involving the use of electric currents to induce controlled seizures that provide relief from symptoms.

What are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?

A category of antidepressants that work by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, thereby increasing its availability and enhancing mood.

What is Specific Phobia?

An anxiety disorder characterized by an overwhelming and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that significantly impacts daily life.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

A type of anxiety disorder where individuals experience intense fear or anxiety in social situations, often worrying excessively about being judged or scrutinized.

What is Panic Disorder?

An anxiety condition marked by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

A persistent anxiety condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, often accompanied by physical symptoms.

What is the Causal Model of Depression?

A theoretical framework that explains the development of depression as being influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.

What is Comorbidity?

The simultaneous presence of two or more mental health disorders within an individual, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

What is Spontaneous recovery?

The natural phenomenon where symptoms of a disorder diminish or resolve without formal treatment over time.

What is the prevalence rate of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

The proportion of individuals in a specific population who are diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder within a defined period.

What is Learned helplessness?

A psychological state in which an individual believes that they have no control over their circumstances, leading to passive behavior and resignation.

What is Dopamine?

A key neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in regulating emotions, mood, reward mechanisms, and pleasure.

What is Noradrenaline?

A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress and helps regulate arousal and alertness.

What is Hypervigilance?

An elevated state of sensory awareness and responsiveness, often accompanied by hyperarousal and an exaggerated focus on potential threats.

What is Behavioural activation?

A therapeutic approach designed to help individuals with depression engage in activities that promote positive feelings and counteract depressive symptoms.

What is Cognitive restructuring?

A cognitive-behavioral technique aimed at identifying, challenging, and changing negative thought patterns.

What are distress and impairment?

Significant emotional suffering and disruptions in daily activities resulting from mental health symptoms.

What are the symptoms of a Panic Attack?

Physical and emotional responses that can include palpitations, sweating, trembling, feelings of choking, nausea, dizziness, or a fear of impending doom.

What are physiological symptoms of anxiety?

Observable physical reactions in the body, such as increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension, and other manifestations of anxiety.

What is the cognitive system of anxiety?

The array of thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations individuals hold regarding potentially stressful or threatening situations.

What is the behavioural system of anxiety?

The range of behaviors individuals exhibit in reaction to feelings of anxiety, which can include avoidance or safety-seeking actions.

What is a Mood Depressive Episode?

A significant period marked by a pervasive low mood, alongside reduced interest or pleasure in everyday activities.

What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder?

A severe and debilitating form of premenstrual syndrome marked by profound mood disturbances and psychological symptoms.

What is Overgeneralization?

A cognitive distortion where an individual extends a singular negative experience to all situations or future experiences.

What is fear of losing control?

A common experience during panic attacks wherein individuals feel they are unable to manage their anxiety and might lose control.

What are relaxation techniques?

Methods and practices aimed at reducing tension, anxiety, and stress in the body and mind, promoting overall well-being.

What are physiological responses to anxiety?

The body's physical reactions to anxiety, including changes in heart rate, muscle tension, and breathing patterns.

What is Unspecified Anxiety Disorder?

An anxiety condition that does not fit the criteria for any specific anxiety disorder but still results in significant distress.

What is Selective Mutism?

An anxiety disorder where an individual is unable to speak in certain social situations, despite being capable of speaking in other contexts.

What are acquired fears?

Fears that develop as a result of personal experiences or conditioning, as opposed to innate fears.

What are stressful life events?

Significant occurrences that can drastically affect an individual's emotional and psychological stability.

What is treatment-resistant depression?

A subtype of depression that does not respond effectively to standard treatment modalities, necessitating alternative approaches.

What are cognitive distortions?

Unrealistic, biased perspectives that individuals hold, which can adversely affect their emotions and behaviors.

What is amalgamation of disorders?

The overlapping of symptoms from multiple mental health disorders converging into a single diagnosis.

What is suicidal ideation?

The contemplation of, or planning for, suicide, which may range from fleeting thoughts to detailed planning.

What are intrusive thoughts?

Unwelcome, involuntary thoughts that repeatedly enter the mind and can cause distress.

What is Agoraphobia?

An anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear or avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or where help may not be available.