Chapter 1 Terms

Mental disorder

Behavioral or psychological dysfunction causing distress or impairment.

Abnormal psychology

Study of symptoms, causes, and treatment of mental disorders.

Psychopathology

Scientific study of mental disorders and abnormal behavior.

Mental illness

Condition disrupting thinking, mood, or daily functioning.

Psychodiagnosis

Assessment of symptoms and causes of psychological distress.

Etiology

Study of the cause of a disorder.

Treatment plan

Collaborative therapy strategy between clinician and client.

Prevalence / Lifetime prevalence

Rate of disorders in a population during a period / lifetime.

Social stigma / Self-stigma

Negative societal views or internalized shame toward mental illness.

Discrimination / Prejudice

Unfair treatment or bias based on stereotypes.

Stereotype

Oversimplified and inaccurate generalization about a group.

Trephining / Exorcism

Early supernatural treatments to “release evil spirits.”

Hysteria / Tarantism

Early forms of mass psychogenic illness or group stress reactions.

Humanism

Focus on human welfare, dignity, and value.

Moral treatment movement

18th–19th century reform promoting humane mental health care.

Syndrome

Cluster of symptoms that regularly occur together.

Intrapsychic

Psychological processes within the mind.

Multicultural psychology

Examines how culture and diversity affect behavior and mental health.

Positive psychology

Study of strengths, well-being, and human potential.

Spirituality

Belief in a higher or life-sustaining force.

Recovery movement

Focus on hope, empowerment, and meaningful life despite illness.

Psychotropic medications

Drugs affecting mood, emotion, or thought processes.

Managed health care

Private or organizational control of healthcare delivery and cost.