Mental Health Week 1 Flashcards (VOCABULARY Style)

A set of vocabulary-focused flashcards covering key concepts from Week 1 notes: biomedical vs recovery models, trauma-informed care, stigma, language, assessment tools, and common mental health conditions.

Biomedical model

A model of mental illness that attributes problems to biological factors (genetics, brain chemistry); emphasizes diagnosis, symptoms, medications, and clinician-led assessment; recovery often measured by symptom reduction and independent functioning.

Recovery model

A holistic, person-centered approach focusing on QoL, personal goals, resilience, social supports, and therapeutic relationships rather than solely eliminating symptoms.

Holistic approach

Considering physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors together in mental health care.

Quality of Life (QoL)

Overall well-being and life satisfaction influenced by autonomy, safety, relationships, meaning, and choice.

Trauma‑informed care

An approach that recognises trauma, avoids re-traumatisation, and emphasizes safety, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural safety.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Negative childhood experiences (abuse, neglect, instability) that increase risk for physical and mental health problems later in life.

Collaboration and mutuality (trauma-informed care)

Power-sharing between clinicians and clients; clients are partners and experts in their own lives.

Peer support (trauma-informed care)

Support from individuals with lived trauma experience to aid recovery and engagement.

Empowerment (trauma-informed care)

Focusing on strengths, goals, and self-determination rather than deficits.

Safety (trauma-informed care)

Physical and emotional safety in care environments and processes.

Trustworthiness and transparency (trauma-informed care)

Clear, honest, and predictable information and practices to build trust.

Cultural and historical awareness (trauma-informed care)

Understanding how culture and history shape trauma responses and ensuring culturally safe services.

Understanding behaviours in the context of trauma

Interpreting difficult behaviours as possible trauma responses, not personal failings.

Stigma

Negative attitudes and discrimination toward people with mental illness that can hinder help-seeking and treatment.

Self-stigma

Internalized stigma leading to shame, guilt, and reduced self-esteem.

Label vs diagnosis (language)

Using diagnostic labels can stigmatize; prefer person-first language (e.g., 'a person with schizophrenia').

Client vs patient vs consumer (language in mental health)

Different terms reflecting role: patient (traditional, medical), client (partnership), consumer (lived experience and empowerment).

Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI)

A self-report scale to assess the severity of depressive symptoms; items are scored to indicate depression level.

Depression

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and impairment in daily functioning.

Mental State Examination (MSE)

Structured assessment of a person’s current mental state, including appearance, mood, thoughts, cognition, insight, and judgment.

ANSAT

A nursing assessment simulator/test used during placements; must be completed by an RN or higher; requires scores of 3 or above on all items; 2s may indicate a failure.

Substance use disorders (SUD)

Pattern of problematic substance use causing clinically significant impairment or distress.

Alcohol use disorder

Clinical diagnosis describing problematic or harmful patterns of alcohol consumption.

Major depressive disorder

A mood disorder with persistent depressed mood and anhedonia causing significant impairment.

Anxiety disorders

A group of disorders characterized by excessive fear, worry, or anxiety interfering with functioning.

Schizophrenia

Chronic psychotic disorder with symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning.

Bipolar disorder

Mood disorder with episodes of mania/hypomania and depression.

Neurocognitive disorders (dementia, delirium)

Cognitive disorders involving decline in memory, thinking, or behavior due to aging, disease, or delirium.