Mental Health, Stigma, and Barriers to Treatment Midterm Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to mental health, stigma, cultural aspects, neurobiology, therapeutic communication, and treatment modalities.

Mental Health

A state more than the absence of mental illness; it involves the ability to think clearly, regulate emotions, cope with stress, maintain relationships, function in daily life, and adapt to change.

Mental Illness

Disturbances in thought, mood, behavior, perception, or interpersonal functioning that impair daily life, cause distress, or create risk to self or others.

Stigma

Negative judgment or discrimination toward people with mental illness, which can come from society, families, healthcare systems, or the individual themselves.

Public Stigma

Negative views from society about individuals with mental health issues.

Self-Stigma

When individuals internalize shame and negative beliefs about their mental illness.

Institutional Stigma

Barriers built into systems, policies, or healthcare access that affect individuals with mental illness.

Cultural Syndrome

A pattern of symptoms recognized within a specific cultural group.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change, reorganize, form new connections, and adapt in response to learning, stress, therapy, medication, or injury.

Therapeutic Communication

Purposeful communication used to build trust, gather information, reduce distress, promote insight, and support healing.

Recovery in Mental Health

The ability to live a meaningful life, manage symptoms, build strengths, and improve functioning, without necessarily implying a complete cure.

Agranulocytosis

A dangerous drop in white blood cells, commonly associated with the use of the antipsychotic Clozapine.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

A condition characterized by excessive, persistent worry about various aspects of life.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

A disorder involving recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Social Isolation

A state of minimal meaningful contact with others, which can worsen mental health conditions.

Command Hallucinations

Auditory hallucinations in which the individual hears voices instructing them to act, which may increase suicide risk.

Benzodiazepines

Medications used for acute anxiety, panic, and agitation that can lead to dependence over time.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

A biologic treatment for severe depression and other conditions where a controlled seizure is induced using anesthesia.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

A life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by very high fever, severe muscle rigidity, and altered mental status.

Panic Disorder

A condition involving recurrent panic attacks and persistent concern about future attacks.

Lithium

A mood stabilizer primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, with a therapeutic level typically around 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L.