War Department Technical Bulletin, Medical 203 - 1946 - Nomenclature of psychiatric disorders and reactions

What is the term 'disorder' in psychiatric nomenclature?

The term 'disorder' designates the generic group of specific reactions.

How are specific reaction types classified in psychiatry?

Specific reaction types are termed 'reactions' and are classified based on the dynamics of the psychopathology.

What are simple personality reactions?

These are transient personality reactions to acute stress where individuals utilize established patterns of reaction to express overwhelming fear.

What constitutes a combat exhaustion diagnosis?

Combat exhaustion is a temporary diagnosis used for individuals exposed to severe physical demands or extreme emotional stress, common in soldiers.

What characterizes psychoneurotic disorders?

Psychoneurotic disorders result from repression of powerful emotional charges, often related to childhood experiences, leading to anxiety.

What is an anxiety reaction?

An anxiety reaction is characterized by diffuse anxiety not restricted to specific situations, distinguishable from normal apprehension.

Describe the dissociative reaction.

This disorder involves personality disorganization, often appearing psychotic but usually resolving to a neurotic state.

What is a phobic reaction?

Phobic reactions detach anxiety from specific situations and are displaced to symbolic objects, leading to neurotic fears.

What are somatization reactions?

Somatization reactions are expressions of anxiety through visceral symptoms, representing a chronic exaggerated state of emotional physiology.

Define the term 'addiction' in psychiatric terms.

Addiction indicates deeper character disturbances often connected with antisocial behavior while under the influence of substances.

What are character and behavior disorders?

These disorders are marked by developmental defects or pathological behavior patterns manifesting as lifelong patterns of action.

What defines psychotic disorders?

Psychotic disorders show personality disintegration and failure to test reality, affecting relationships and functionality.

How are psychiatric disorders classified in this document?

Psychiatric disorders are classified into categories such as psychoneurotic disorders, affective disorders, and organic psychoses, among others.

What are organic psychoses?

Organic psychoses have demonstrable etiology or structural changes associated with them, typically resulting from physical conditions.