Module 3.3 Vocabulary

Mental Illness (Mental Disorder)

A health condition in which thoughts, feelings, or behaviors become severe enough to interfere with daily life. Mental illnesses are common and treatable.

Anxiety Disorders

Conditions in which extreme worry, fear, or dread interferes with daily life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A condition involving persistent, excessive anxiety about different parts of life, sometimes accompanied by physical symptoms.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Intense anxiety about social situations in which a person fears being judged by others.

Panic Disorder

A condition involving recurring panic attacks.

Panic Attack

An episode of intense fear.

Phobia

A strong fear of an object or situation that poses little or no actual danger, often leading a person to avoid it.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A condition involving difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsive behavior. It usually begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A condition involving recurring, unwanted thoughts and repeated behaviors that interfere with daily functioning.

Obsessions

Recurring, unwanted thoughts, feelings, or urges that are difficult to control.

Compulsions

Repeated actions a person feels driven to perform in response to obsessions.

Mood Disorders

Conditions that cause serious changes in how a person feels.

Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)

A condition characterized by intense feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness that interfere with daily life.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

A form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, commonly occurring during winter months when there is less natural sunlight.

Bipolar Disorder

A condition involving episodes of unusually elevated mood and energy, called mania, and episodes of depression.

Mania

A period of unusually elevated or irritable mood and increased energy associated with bipolar disorder.

Personality Disorders

Conditions involving persistent patterns of thinking and behavior that cause difficulties in daily life and relationships.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

A condition, usually diagnosed in childhood, involving a persistent pattern of defiant, uncooperative, and hostile behavior.

Conduct Disorder

 A condition involving serious patterns of behavior that violate others’ rights or major rules, sometimes including aggression or violence.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Conditions that can involve disorganized thinking, delusions, and hallucinations.

Substance Use Disorder

 A condition in which a person continues using a substance despite harmful effects on health and daily life.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Two or more disorders occurring in the same person, such as a substance use disorder and another mental illness.

Tolerance

The need for more of a substance to experience effects previously produced by a smaller amount.

Physical Dependence

The body’s adjustment to a substance so that it needs the substance to function as it has become accustomed to functioning.

Psychological Dependence

Cravings or feelings of anxiety associated with not using, or trying to stop using, a substance or behavior.

Withdrawal

Negative symptoms that can occur when a person with physical dependence stops using a substance.

Addictive Disorders

Conditions involving difficulty controlling repeated behaviors despite harmful effects on health, daily life, or responsibilities.