Clinical

Clinical Psychology

The field that diagnoses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Evidence-based treatments

Treatments developed based on scientific research to meet individual needs.

Psychometric assessments

Standardized tests used to measure mental and emotional functions.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

An anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry and anxiety.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A form of therapy that combines cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

An anxiety disorder with recurrent obsessions and compulsions.

Transference

When a client projects feelings onto the therapist.

Comorbidity

The occurrence of multiple disorders in the same individual.

Dysmorphic Disorder

Disorder characterized by an excessive focus on perceived flaws.

Defensive mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to cope with anxiety.

Free association

A psychoanalytic technique where individuals express thoughts freely.

Psychodynamic therapy

Therapy focused on unconscious processes and early experiences.

Neurodevelopmental Disorder

A disorder characterized by impairment in brain functioning affecting emotions, learning, and behavior.

Chronic illness coping

Methods used to manage stress and adapt to living with a chronic illness.

Bipolar Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings.

Social support

The assistance and comfort received from others during difficult times.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

A structured approach focusing on resolving interpersonal issues contributing to depression.

Personality disorders

A group of conditions characterized by enduring patterns of behavior that deviate from cultural norms.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

A medical treatment for severe depression involving electrical stimulation of the brain.

Systematic desensitization

A behavioral technique used to help people gradually overcome phobias.

Holistic care

An approach that considers the whole person, including physical, mental, and social factors.

Socratic questioning

A method of guided questioning used to challenge thoughts and beliefs.

Psychodynamic techniques

Methods used in therapy to explore unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences.

Behavioural activation

A cognitive-behavioral strategy to increase engagement in enjoyable activities.

Chronic pain

Persistent pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years.

Health Psychology

A field that focuses on how psychological factors influence health and illness.

Stress-related disorders

Conditions that arise due to stress exposure, impacting physical health.

Mood disorders

Disorders primarily characterized by disturbances in mood.

Suicidal ideation

The consideration or thought of suicide.

Hypersomnia

Excessive sleepiness during the day or prolonged nighttime sleep.

Personality traits

Enduring characteristics that influence an individual's behavior.

Trait theories

Theories that aim to categorize individual personalities based on traits.

Cattell's 16PF

A personality test developed to identify 16 primary factors of personality.

Big Five Model

A model of personality based on five factors: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.

Avolition

A lack of motivation or inability to start and sustain planned activities.

Cognitive restructuring

Therapeutic process of identifying and changing negative thought patterns.

Acute Stress Disorder

Disorder affecting individuals who have been exposed to a traumatic event.

Psychosomatic illness

Physical illness caused or aggravated by psychological factors.

Adjustment Disorder

A stress-related condition that occurs when an individual struggles to cope with a significant change.

Vicarious learning

Learning that occurs by observing others.

Chronic illness

A long-term health condition that may not have a cure.

Behavioral interventions

Actions taken to modify behavior through reinforcement strategies.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that behavior is learned through interaction with others.

Family therapy

A form of psychotherapy that addresses problems within a family unit.

Person-centered therapy

A therapeutic approach that provides empathy and acceptance.

Heterogeneity

The variability and diversity of symptoms in individuals with the same diagnosis.

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

A condition characterized by disregard for others, lack of empathy, and violation of societal norms.

Neuropsychological assessment

A systematic collection of data regarding cognitive functioning.

Holistic assessment

An evaluation method that considers the whole person rather than just symptoms.

Clinical interview

A face-to-face dialogue to gather information about a patient’s mental state.

Token economy

A behavioral modification system that uses tokens as rewards.

Delusions

False beliefs held despite evidence to the contrary.

Hallucinations

False sensory perceptions that occur without an external stimulus.

Cognitive distortions

Inaccurate thoughts that reinforce negative thinking.

Panic attack

An abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort with physical and psychological symptoms.

Agoraphobia

Fear of situations where escape may be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack.

Cognitive theory

The theory that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors.

Supportive therapy

Therapy that provides emotional support and encouragement.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A thorough concern and anxiety about various issues.

Coping strategies

Methods a person uses to deal with stress and challenges.

Rorschach test

A projective psychological test consisting of ambiguous inkblots.

Normal distribution

A statistical function that represents the distribution of variables based on the mean.

Test-retest reliability

Measure of consistency of a test results over time.

Validity

The degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease or condition based on signs and symptoms.

Mental health evaluation

Assessment aimed at understanding a person's mental health status.

Primary aging

Natural and inevitable aging changes.

Secondary aging

Aging changes that are related to lifestyle or environmental factors.

Cohort effects

Variations in characteristics or experiences among people born in the same time period.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Disorders that typically manifest early in development.

Diathesis-stress model

Concept that psychological disorders develop due to an interaction between predisposition and stress.

Disorganized speech

A symptom of schizophrenia where thoughts and speech patterns are confused.

Social inclusion

A sense of belonging to and being accepted by a group.

Community support

Assistance provided by community resources for health and well-being.

Creative therapies

Therapies that use art, music, or drama to enhance mental health.

Ageism

Discrimination based on a person’s age.

Cognitive impairment

Deficits in cognitive function, including memory and reasoning.

Self-actualization

The realization of one's potential and personal growth.

Holistic health

Health approach that incorporates physical, mental, and social well-being.

Aging population

An increasing proportion of older individuals in the population.

Therapeutic relationship

The professional bond between therapist and client.

Psychoeducation

Education for clients about their mental health and strategies for coping.

Interdisciplinary treatment

Care from a team of professionals from various disciplines.