Key Concepts and Terms in Mental Health: Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on mental health, treatment, ethics, and cultural care.

National Mental Health Act (1946)

Act signed by President Truman that called for the establishment of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to advance mental health research and services.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Federal agency created by the 1946 act to lead research, programs, and services related to mental health.

Chlorpromazine

First antipsychotic drug used in the 1950s to treat aggression and psychosis, sparking the rise of psychopharmacology.

Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act (1963)

Law that provided federal support for the development of community mental health centers.

Community-based care

Approach to mental health treatment that emphasizes care outside of institutions in community settings.

Healthy People 2030 (mental health priorities)

National health objectives focusing on prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment to improve mental health and quality of life.

Mental Health (APA definition)

Foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning, resilience, self-esteem, relationships, and wellbeing.

Mental Illness (APA definition)

Health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior causing distress or impairment.

DSM-5-TR

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision; primary tool for diagnosing disorders; does not prescribe treatment.

ICD (WHO Classification)

International Classification of Diseases; coding system harmonized with DSM-5-TR for describing illnesses.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

DSM-5-TR category including disorders related to early brain development and functioning.

Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders

DSM-5-TR category covering psychotic disorders and related conditions.

Anxiety disorders

DSM-5-TR category encompassing disorders characterized by excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.

Trauma- and stressor-related disorders

DSM-5-TR category for disorders triggered by traumatic or stressful events.

Substance-related and addictive disorders

DSM-5-TR category for disorders involving substance use and behavioral/addictive patterns.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Traumatic or negative childhood events (e.g., abuse, neglect, family dysfunction) linked to later mental health risks.

Social Determinants of Mental Health (SDOMH)

Framework describing how living, working, and aging conditions affect mental health and well-being.

Five SDOMH categories

Life course, households, community, local services, and country-level factors.

Life Course (SDOMH)

Exposure to physical, environmental, and socioeconomic events across life stages impacting mental health.

Households (SDOMH)

Household income, resources, parental health, unemployment, and related factors affecting mental health.

Community (SDOMH)

Built environment, neighborhood safety, social participation influencing mental health.

Local Services (SDOMH)

Schools, health and social services, early education access shaping mental health outcomes.

Country-level factors (SDOMH)

Policies, governance, poverty reduction, and national conditions that influence mental health.

Duty to Warn

Legal obligation to warn or protect potential victims when a client poses a credible threat.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; protects patient health information and confidentiality; psychotherapy notes have extra protection.

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)

Law requiring mental health coverage to be no more restrictive than coverage for medical/surgical benefits.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) and related reforms

Legislation expanding access to health care, including mental health coverage, and promoting parity.

Involuntary hospitalization / involuntary hold

Court-ordered admission or treatment when a person poses danger or cannot consent; emergent and nonemergent distinctions.

Beneficence

Ethical principle of doing good and promoting the patient’s welfare.

Autonomy

Ethical principle supporting the patient’s right to self-determination and informed decisions.

Nonmaleficence

Ethical principle of avoiding harm in care and treatment decisions.

Justice

Ethical principle of fair, equitable distribution of care and resources.

Cultural humility

Practice of recognizing and respecting another’s culture, with ongoing self-reflection on power dynamics.

Cultural competence

Knowledge and skills to effectively care for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Cultural sensitivity

Respectful, patient-centered care that acknowledges diverse beliefs and practices.

Holistic nursing

Nursing approach that considers physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health.