Mental Illness and Disorders

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to mental health disorders, symptoms, and treatment approaches.

Organic Mental Disorders

Mental disorders that are directly caused by a medical condition, resulting in symptoms that can include cognitive decline and confusion.

Delirium

A disturbance of cognitive ability characterized by sudden onset, confusion, and reduced awareness, usually reversible with treatment.

Dementia

A mental disorder involving multiple cognitive deficits, primarily memory impairment, affecting daily functioning.

Alzheimer's Disease

The most common type of dementia, characterized by gradual cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes.

Aphasia

Deterioration of language function resulting in an inability to speak.

Apraxia

Intact motor ability with impaired ability to execute motor functions.

Agnosia

Intact sensory ability with inability to recognize or name objects.

Sundowners Syndrome

A condition where periods of extreme agitation and confusion occur in the late afternoon or early evening.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety for a duration of six months or more.

Panic Disorder

A type of anxiety disorder marked by episodes of intense fear and physical discomfort.

Phobias

Illogical fears arising from faulty thought processes, resulting in severe distress.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

A mental illness where a person has uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) and performs repetitive behaviors (compulsions) in an attempt to decrease anxiety.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A psychotherapy method that focuses on changing negative thought patterns to influence behavior.

Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT)

A medical treatment for severe depression that induces seizures to alter neurotransmitter levels.

Lithium

A medication used to regulate mood in patients with bipolar disorder.

Major Depressive Disorder

A severe mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities.

Dysthymic Disorder

A chronic, less severe form of depression lasting for at least two years.

Bipolar Disorder

A mental illness characterized by cyclical mood changes, including episodes of mania and depression.

Suicide Ideation

The contemplation or consideration of taking one's own life.

Validation Therapy

A therapeutic approach that focuses on validating and respecting a person's feelings, especially in dementia care.