Ap Psych 5

Psychology:

1. Health Psychology

• Definition: Health psychology studies how biological, social, and psychological factors influence health and illness.

• Example: A health psychologist might help someone with chronic pain learn stress-reduction techniques to improve their quality of life.

2. Psychoneuroimmunology

• Definition: The study of the interaction between the nervous system, immune system, and psychological factors.

• Example: A person under high stress might experience weakened immune function, making them more prone to getting sick, demonstrating the mind-body connection.

3. Stress

• Definition: A psychological and physiological response to perceived challenges or threats.

• Example: Before a big presentation, I might feel my heart racing, hands shaking, and an overwhelming sense of pressure—signs of stress.

4. Approach and Avoidance Motives

• Definition: Motives to approach (seek positive outcomes) or avoid (escape negative outcomes) situations.

• Example: I might feel motivated to approach a new job opportunity (approach) but avoid a confrontation with a friend (avoidance).

5. Kurt Lewin

• Definition: A psychologist known for his work on social psychology and field theory, particularly regarding group dynamics and motivation.

• Example: Lewin’s theory could apply in a workplace setting where team members’ behaviors are influenced by the social environment or leadership style.

6. Hans Selye

• Definition: A psychologist who developed the General Adaptation Syndrome theory of stress, which outlines the body's response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

• Example: During a period of heavy workload, I might experience the alarm phase (shock), followed by the resistance phase (working hard to meet deadlines), and eventually exhaustion (feeling burned out).

7. General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• Definition: A model describing the body's response to stress, involving three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

• Example: After a stressful week of exams, I might initially feel the stress (alarm), then push through studying (resistance), and finally feel physically drained (exhaustion).

8. Tend-and-Befriend Response

• Definition: A stress response, particularly common in women, involving nurturing and seeking social support in response to stress.

• Example: When feeling overwhelmed, I might call a close friend or family member to talk, seeking comfort and emotional support.

9. Coronary Heart Disease

• Definition: A condition in which the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked, often linked to stress and unhealthy lifestyle habits.

• Example: A person who works in a high-stress job may develop coronary heart disease over time due to chronic stress and poor eating habits.

10. Type A

• Definition: A personality type characterized by high ambition, competitiveness, impatience, and a constant sense of urgency.

• Example: A person with a Type A personality might feel anxious and frustrated when stuck in traffic because they are always rushing to meet deadlines.

11. Type B

• Definition: A personality type characterized by a relaxed, easygoing, and less competitive nature.

• Example: Someone with a Type B personality might calmly take their time in a line, not feeling stressed about waiting or time passing.

12. Catharsis

• Definition: The process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong emotions.

• Example: After a tough breakup, I might cry or vent to a friend to relieve the emotional tension I’ve been feeling.

13. Coping

• Definition: The process of managing and dealing with stress and difficult emotions.

• Example: After a stressful day, I might use deep breathing exercises or go for a run to cope with my stress and clear my mind.

14. Problem-Focused Coping

• Definition: A coping strategy that focuses on addressing the root cause of the stress directly.

• Example: If I'm stressed about an upcoming exam, I might use problem-focused coping by creating a study plan to address the areas where I need improvement.

15. Emotion-Focused Coping

• Definition: A coping strategy that focuses on managing emotions in response to stress rather than trying to solve the problem itself.

• Example: When I feel stressed about a relationship issue, I might talk to a friend to process my emotions and feel better, even if I can’t change the situation immediately.

16. Personal Control

• Definition: The belief that one can influence or control the events that affect their life.

• Example: I might feel more confident and less stressed about an exam if I believe that my preparation and effort will directly influence the outcome.

17. Learned Helplessness

• Definition: A psychological condition in which an individual feels unable to control or change a situation, often as a result of repeated failures.

• Example: After repeatedly failing driving tests, someone might begin to believe they are incapable of passing, leading to learned helplessness.

18. External Locus of Control

• Definition: The belief that outside forces, such as fate or others’ actions, are responsible for what happens in one's life.

• Example: I might feel like my life is controlled by luck or chance rather than my actions if I have an external locus of control.

19. Internal Locus of Control

• Definition: The belief that one controls their own fate and outcomes through their own actions and decisions.

• Example: If I work hard to improve my grades, I believe that my efforts will lead to success, reflecting an internal locus of control.

20. Self-Control

• Definition: The ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, particularly in the face of impulses or desires.

• Example: When trying to eat healthier, I practice self-control by resisting the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods.

21. Martin Seligman

• Definition: Psychologist known for his work on learned helplessness and positive psychology, focusing on strengths and well-being.

• Example: Seligman’s research on happiness could help someone focus on their strengths and practice gratitude to improve their overall life satisfaction.

22. Positive Psychology

• Definition: A branch of psychology that emphasizes the study and cultivation of positive emotions, strengths, and human flourishing.

• Example: A therapist might use positive psychology to help a client identify their strengths and develop more gratitude in their daily life.

23. Subjective Well-Being

• Definition: A person’s self-perceived happiness or satisfaction with life.

• Example: After achieving a personal goal, I might feel a high sense of subjective well-being, experiencing happiness and life satisfaction.

24. Feel-Good, Do-Good Phenomenon

• Definition: The tendency for people to do good deeds when they feel happy.

• Example: After having a great day, I might feel motivated to help a friend with a task or donate to a charity.

25. Adaptation-Level Phenomenon

• Definition: The tendency to judge experiences based on our previous experiences, adjusting expectations accordingly.

• Example: After buying a new phone, I might initially feel excited, but after a few weeks, the excitement fades as I get used to it.

26. Relative Deprivation

• Definition: The perception of being worse off compared to others, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction.

• Example: I might feel envious of a friend’s success and feel deprived, even though I’m doing well myself.

27. Broaden-and-Build Theory

• Definition: A theory suggesting that positive emotions broaden thinking and build personal resources for coping.

• Example: A person who feels happy might be more open to new ideas and experiences, which can help build lasting personal relationships and skills.

28. Character Strengths and Virtues

• Definition: Positive traits and qualities that contribute to a fulfilling life, such as courage, kindness, and integrity.

• Example: Practicing kindness by volunteering and helping others can enhance a person’s sense of purpose and well-being.

29. Resilience

• Definition: The ability to bounce back from adversity and overcome challenges.

• Example: After failing an exam, I demonstrate resilience by studying harder for the next test rather than giving up.

30. Aerobic Exercise

• Definition: Physical activity that increases heart rate and improves cardiovascular health.

• Example: Going for a jog or swimming regularly improves both physical fitness and mental health, helping to manage stress.

31. Mindfulness Meditation

• Definition: A practice where one focuses on being present in the moment, which helps reduce stress and increase well-being.

• Example: I might use mindfulness meditation to clear my mind and calm myself before a stressful event, like a big presentation.

32. Gratitude

• Definition: The feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for the positive aspects of life.

• Example: Keeping a gratitude journal where I write down things I’m thankful for each day can boost my happiness and life satisfaction.

42. Agoraphobia

• Definition: An anxiety disorder marked by fear and avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable if a panic attack occurs.

• Example: A person with agoraphobia might avoid crowded places like shopping malls or public transportation because they fear they could not escape if they started to panic.

43. Specific Phobia

• Definition: An intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that leads to avoidance behavior.

• Example: Someone with a specific phobia of spiders (arachnophobia) may avoid going to places where they might encounter one, such as gardens or forests.

44. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Definition: A disorder characterized by intrusive, obsessive thoughts and repetitive, compulsive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety.

• Example: A person with OCD might repeatedly wash their hands to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessive fear of germs.

45. Hoarding Disorder

• Definition: A psychological condition where an individual has persistent difficulty discarding possessions, leading to clutter and impaired functioning.

• Example: A person with hoarding disorder may accumulate newspapers, clothes, or other items to the point where their home becomes hazardous or unlivable.

46. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Definition: A mental health disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety.

• Example: A war veteran may experience PTSD, reliving traumatic battle experiences through vivid flashbacks or nightmares.

47. Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

• Definition: Mental health disorders triggered by exposure to trauma or chronic stress, leading to emotional or behavioral problems.

• Example: After experiencing a natural disaster, a person may develop a stressor-related disorder, such as PTSD, where they constantly relive the traumatic event.

48. Depressive Disorders

• Definition: A category of mood disorders characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in life.

• Example: Someone with major depressive disorder may struggle with daily tasks, feeling emotionally drained and hopeless for weeks or months.

49. Bipolar Disorders

• Definition: Mood disorders characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of depression and mania or hypomania.

• Example: A person with bipolar disorder might experience periods of elevated mood and energy (mania) followed by episodes of deep depression.

50. Major Depressive Disorder

• Definition: A severe form of depression involving persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life.

• Example: A person might experience major depressive disorder, where they lose interest in hobbies, feel exhausted, and have trouble concentrating for weeks at a time.

51. Persistent Depressive Disorder

• Definition: A long-term form of depression (also called dysthymia) where a person feels mildly depressed for at least two years.

• Example: Someone with persistent depressive disorder might feel down or lack motivation most days, even though they can still function in daily life.

52. Bipolar I Disorder

• Definition: A type of bipolar disorder characterized by manic episodes lasting at least one week, often followed by depressive episodes.

• Example: A person with bipolar I disorder might experience a manic episode where they feel euphoric and have excessive energy, followed by a period of deep depression.

53. Mania

• Definition: A period of abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity levels, often seen in bipolar disorder.

• Example: During a manic episode, a person might talk excessively, make impulsive decisions, or feel invincible, often leading to risky behavior.

54. Bipolar II Disorder

• Definition: A type of bipolar disorder characterized by hypomanic episodes (less severe than mania) and depressive episodes.

• Example: A person with bipolar II disorder might experience a mild, hypomanic episode where they feel energized, followed by a depressive episode with feelings of hopelessness.

55. Rumination

• Definition: The repetitive focusing on negative thoughts, often contributing to depression or anxiety.

• Example: After an argument with a friend, I might ruminate on what was said, replaying the conversation over and over in my head, which worsens my mood.

56. Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

• Definition: A group of disorders characterized by distorted thinking, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors, including schizophrenia.

• Example: Someone with schizophrenia might experience delusions or hallucinations, such as hearing voices that others don't hear.

57. Psychotic Disorders

• Definition: Mental health disorders characterized by a disconnection from reality, which may include delusions, hallucinations, and impaired functioning.

• Example: A person with a psychotic disorder might believe they are being followed by secret agents, even though there is no evidence to support this.

58. Delusion

• Definition: A false belief that is strongly held despite evidence to the contrary, often seen in psychotic disorders.

• Example: Someone with schizophrenia might believe they are a famous historical figure, despite being told otherwise by those around them.

59. Chronic Schizophrenia

• Definition: A long-term form of schizophrenia characterized by persistent symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.

• Example: A person with chronic schizophrenia may struggle with managing daily tasks due to ongoing hallucinations or delusions.

60. Acute Schizophrenia

• Definition: A type of schizophrenia with sudden onset and more severe symptoms, typically with a higher likelihood of recovery after treatment.

• Example: Someone who experiences a sudden, intense episode of paranoia and hallucinations may be diagnosed with acute schizophrenia.

61. Dissociative Disorders

• Definition: A category of disorders characterized by disruptions in memory, identity, or consciousness, often linked to trauma or stress.

• Example: A person with dissociative amnesia might forget key parts of their life history following a traumatic event.

62. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

• Definition: A severe form of dissociation where a person has two or more distinct identities or personality states.

• Example: A person with DID might have distinct "alters" or identities, each with its own behaviors, memories, and ways of interacting with the world.

63. Dissociative Amnesia

• Definition: A memory disorder in which a person is unable to recall important autobiographical information, often due to trauma.

• Example: After a car accident, someone might experience dissociative amnesia, forgetting details about the crash or parts of their life leading up to it.

64. Personality Disorders

• Definition: A group of mental disorders characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations.

• Example: Someone with borderline personality disorder might have unstable relationships, intense emotional reactions, and a fear of abandonment.

65. Antisocial Personality Disorder

• Definition: A personality disorder marked by disregard for others' rights, often leading to manipulative, deceitful, or criminal behavior.

• Example: A person with antisocial personality disorder might consistently break the law, lie, or manipulate others without remorse.

66. Feeding and Eating Disorders

• Definition: Disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating behaviors, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

• Example: A person with anorexia nervosa might severely restrict their food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight.

67. Anorexia Nervosa

• Definition: An eating disorder characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to self-imposed starvation.

• Example: A teenager with anorexia nervosa might engage in excessive dieting or exercise and avoid eating meals with family to control their weight.

68. Bulimia Nervosa

• Definition: An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.

• Example: A person with bulimia nervosa might eat large quantities of food in a short period and then force themselves to vomit to avoid gaining weight.

69. Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• Definition: A group of disorders that involve developmental deficits in cognitive, social, or physical functioning, often diagnosed early in life.

• Example: A child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have difficulty with social interactions and may exhibit repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.

70. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Definition: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges with social interaction, communication, and restrictive, repetitive behaviors.

• Example: A child with autism might avoid eye contact, have trouble making friends, and engage in repetitive activities like lining up toys.

71. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Definition: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

• Example: A student with ADHD might have trouble focusing on tasks in class and may act impulsively without considering the consequences.

72. Dorothea Dix

• Definition: A mental health advocate who worked to improve conditions for the mentally ill and advocated for mental health reform in the United States.

• Example: Dorothea Dix’s advocacy led to the establishment of mental health institutions that provided care and treatment for those with psychiatric disorders.

73. Deinstitutionalization

• Definition: The process of removing individuals with mental disorders from institutional settings and integrating them into community-based care.

• Example: The closure of large mental health institutions in the 1960s and 1970s led to deinstitutionalization, with many patients moving to outpatient care programs.

74. Psychotherapy

• Definition: A treatment for psychological disorders involving a trained therapist helping the patient understand and work through their emotional or behavioral issues.

• Example: I might attend psychotherapy sessions to work through anxiety or depression with a licensed counselor, gaining coping strategies and insights.

75. Biomedical Therapy

• Definition: A type of treatment for psychological disorders that involves the use of medications or medical procedures to alter brain functioning.

• Example: A person with schizophrenia might receive antipsychotic medication to help manage symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.

76. Eclectic Approach

• Definition: A therapeutic approach that combines elements from different therapy types to best suit a client's needs.

• Example: A therapist using an eclectic approach might combine cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness techniques to treat depression.

77. Sigmund Freud

• Definition: The founder of psychoanalysis, a method for treating mental disorders by exploring unconscious thoughts and past experiences.

• Example: Freud might explore my early childhood memories to uncover unconscious desires or conflicts that are affecting my current behavior.

78. Psychoanalysis

• Definition: A therapeutic approach developed by Freud that focuses on uncovering unconscious conflicts, desires, and past experiences to resolve psychological issues.

• Example: Through psychoanalysis, a person may uncover repressed memories that explain their current anxiety.

79. Resistance

• Definition: In psychoanalysis, the unconscious blocking of anxiety-laden material from consciousness.

• Example: During therapy, I may resist discussing painful memories because they are too emotionally overwhelming.

80. Interpretation

• Definition: In psychoanalysis, the analyst's attempt to provide insight into the unconscious meaning of a client's thoughts, dreams, and behaviors.

• Example: A therapist might interpret my recurring dreams as symbolic of repressed childhood fears.

81. Transference

• Definition: The process by which clients project feelings about important people in their lives onto their therapist.

• Example: A client might transfer feelings of anger they have toward their parents onto the therapist, unconsciously treating them as if they are the parent.

82. Psychodynamic Therapy

• Definition: A therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding the unconscious processes and past experiences that influence current behavior.

• Example: In psychodynamic therapy, a person may explore how their unresolved conflicts with their parents are affecting their adult relationships.

83. Insight Therapies

• Definition: Therapy aimed at helping the client gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to promote understanding and change.

• Example: In an insight therapy session, I might explore the unconscious reasons behind my anxiety and how they connect to past experiences.

84. Person-Centered Therapy

• Definition: A therapeutic approach developed by Carl Rogers, which emphasizes the therapist's empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard.

• Example: In person-centered therapy, I would be encouraged to express my feelings freely, knowing the therapist accepts me without judgment.

85. Carl Rogers

• Definition: A psychologist best known for developing person-centered therapy and emphasizing the importance of a supportive therapeutic environment.

• Example: Carl Rogers believed that for a person to grow, they needed an environment where they felt truly accepted and understood, which his therapy promotes.

86. Active Listening

• Definition: A communication technique where the listener fully concentrates, understands, and responds to the speaker, showing empathy.

• Example: In therapy, I practice active listening by focusing on the therapist’s words, reflecting back what I hear, and offering emotional support.

87. Unconditional Positive Regard

• Definition: A concept from Carl Rogers where the therapist provides complete acceptance and support for the client, regardless of what they say or do.

• Example: In therapy, I feel free to share my thoughts and feelings knowing that my therapist accepts me without judgment.

88. Behavior Therapy

• Definition: A therapeutic approach that applies principles of learning (such as conditioning) to change maladaptive behaviors.

• Example: In behavior therapy, I might learn to replace my fear of public speaking with more positive, confident behaviors through gradual exposure.

89. Counterconditioning

• Definition: A technique used in behavior therapy to replace an undesirable response to a stimulus with a more desirable one.

• Example: To overcome my fear of dogs, I might undergo counterconditioning by pairing the presence of dogs with pleasant experiences like petting a calm dog.

90. Mary Cover Jones

• Definition: A psychologist known for her work in behavior therapy, particularly in using classical conditioning to reduce fear in children.

• Example: Mary Cover Jones helped reduce a child's fear of rabbits by gradually exposing them to the rabbit while they were eating their favorite food.

91. Joseph Wolpe

• Definition: A psychologist known for developing systematic desensitization as a treatment for phobias.

• Example: Joseph Wolpe’s systematic desensitization helped people with phobias, like a fear of elevators, gradually relax as they slowly confronted the feared situation.

92. Exposure Therapies

• Definition: Therapies that involve the gradual exposure to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety over time.

• Example: In exposure therapy, I might gradually expose myself to situations that trigger my anxiety, like public speaking, to reduce my fear.

93. Systematic Desensitization

• Definition: A type of exposure therapy that involves gradual exposure to a feared stimulus while practicing relaxation techniques.

• Example: If I’m afraid of flying, systematic desensitization could involve visualizing an airplane, then taking a short flight while learning to stay calm.

94. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

• Definition: A form of exposure therapy that uses virtual reality technology to expose individuals to their fears in a controlled environment.

• Example: Using a VR headset, I might confront my fear of flying by “boarding” a virtual airplane and gradually getting used to the experience.

95. Aversive Conditioning

• Definition: A behavioral therapy technique that involves associating an unwanted behavior with an unpleasant stimulus to reduce the behavior.

• Example: A person might use aversive conditioning by associating the smell of a bad odor with smoking to reduce their cigarette habit.

96. B.F. Skinner

• Definition: A psychologist best known for developing operant conditioning, which involves reinforcing or punishing behavior to increase or decrease its occurrence.

• Example: B.F. Skinner used operant conditioning to train animals, such as pigeons, to perform behaviors in exchange for food rewards.

97. Token Economy

• Definition: A behavioral therapy technique where individuals earn tokens for desired behaviors that can later be exchanged for rewards.

• Example: In a classroom, students might receive tokens for completing their homework, which can be exchanged for a prize or privilege.

98. Cognitive Therapy

• Definition: A therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and challenging distorted or unhelpful thoughts to improve emotional regulation and behavior.

• Example: In cognitive therapy, I might learn to identify and change negative thoughts like “I’m a failure” that contribute to my depression.

99. Albert Ellis

• Definition: A psychologist who developed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which challenges irrational beliefs to reduce emotional distress.

• Example: Albert Ellis would challenge my belief that “I must always be perfect” in order to reduce anxiety and stress in my life.

100. Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

• Definition: A form of cognitive therapy developed by Albert Ellis that focuses on changing irrational beliefs to improve emotional functioning.

• Example: In REBT, I might be encouraged to replace irrational beliefs like "I must be liked by everyone" with more rational beliefs like "It’s okay if not everyone likes me."

101. Aaron Beck

• Definition: A psychiatrist known for developing cognitive therapy, which focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to psychological disorders.

• Example: Aaron Beck’s cognitive therapy helped me recognize and challenge negative thoughts about myself, such as thinking I’m not good enough.

102. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Definition: A therapeutic approach that combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to address dysfunctional thinking and behavior patterns.

• Example: CBT helped me recognize and change the negative thought patterns that were contributing to my anxiety and improve my coping skills.

103. Group Therapy

• Definition: A type of therapy where a small group of people with similar issues meets regularly with a therapist to discuss their experiences and provide support to one another.

• Example: I joined a support group for anxiety, where we shared our experiences and the therapist helped guide the conversation and techniques to cope.

104. Family Therapy

• Definition: A therapeutic approach that involves working with families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

• Example: Family therapy helped me and my parents improve communication and better understand each other's perspectives on the issues we faced.

105. Confirmation Bias

• Definition: The tendency to search for, interpret, or favor information that confirms one’s pre-existing beliefs or theories, while disregarding contradictory evidence.

• Example: When researching a topic, I may be more likely to read articles that align with my existing viewpoint and ignore those that contradict it.

106. Meta-Analysis

• Definition: A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies to identify patterns or overall effects.

• Example: A meta-analysis of different clinical trials on antidepressants might show the overall effectiveness of the drug across diverse populations.

107. Evidence-Based Practice

• Definition: A therapeutic approach that integrates the best available research with clinical expertise and patient preferences to guide treatment decisions.

• Example: My therapist uses evidence-based practices, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, which have been proven effective for treating depression.

108. Therapeutic Alliance

• Definition: The relationship between a therapist and a client, based on trust, respect, and collaboration, which is crucial for successful therapy outcomes.

• Example: A strong therapeutic alliance with my counselor made me feel comfortable opening up and working through my issues.

109. Psychopharmacology

• Definition: The study of the effects of drugs on the mind and behavior, often used to treat psychological disorders.

• Example: Psychopharmacology helped me understand how antidepressant medications affect brain chemistry to treat depression.

110. Antipsychotic Drugs

• Definition: Medications used to treat symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, by altering brain chemistry.

• Example: Antipsychotic drugs helped manage the hallucinations and delusions of a friend diagnosed with schizophrenia.

111. Antianxiety Drugs

• Definition: Medications that reduce symptoms of anxiety by calming the nervous system.

• Example: Antianxiety drugs, like benzodiazepines, helped reduce my overwhelming anxiety before a big exam.

112. Antidepressant Drugs

• Definition: Medications used to treat depression by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

• Example: Antidepressant drugs helped improve my mood and energy levels during a period of prolonged sadness.

113. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

• Definition: A medical treatment that involves sending electrical currents through the brain to treat severe depression when other treatments are ineffective.

• Example: After struggling with severe depression for years, I underwent ECT, which helped alleviate my symptoms when other treatments failed.

114. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

• Definition: A non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to treat depression.

• Example: Transcranial magnetic stimulation helped me reduce my depressive symptoms when medication and therapy weren’t enough.

115. Psychosurgery

• Definition: A type of surgery that involves removing or damaging brain tissue to treat certain mental disorders.

• Example: Psychosurgery was used in the past to treat severe cases of OCD, though it is rarely performed today.

116. Lobotomy

• Definition: A controversial and outdated surgical procedure where parts of the brain are severed or removed to treat mental illness.

• Example: Lobotomies were once used to treat severe mental disorders, but due to their negative effects, they are no longer performed today.

117. Hypnosis

• Definition: A state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often used in therapeutic settings to address issues like pain and stress.

• Example: During hypnosis, I was able to recall repressed memories that helped me understand why I was experiencing anxiety.

118. Ernest Hilgard

• Definition: A psychologist known for his research on hypnosis and the theory of "hidden observer," which suggests that part of the mind remains aware during hypnosis.

• Example: Ernest Hilgard’s theory helped explain how some people can undergo hypnosis while retaining a level of awareness.

119. Dissociation

• Definition: A psychological state where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity, often as a response to trauma or stress.

• Example: After a traumatic event, I experienced dissociation, feeling like I was watching myself from outside my body.

120. Posthypnotic Suggestion

• Definition: A suggestion made during hypnosis that influences the person’s behavior after the session ends.

• Example: My therapist used posthypnotic suggestion to help me stop biting my nails after our sessions.

121. Posttraumatic Growth

• Definition: Positive psychological change that can occur after experiencing trauma, leading to personal strength, deeper relationships, or a new appreciation for life.

• Example: After surviving a car accident, I experienced posttraumatic growth by becoming more empathetic and grateful for the small things in life.

122. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Definition: A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

• Example: After returning from deployment, my friend struggled with PTSD, experiencing flashbacks and constant anxiety from the traumatic experiences he went through.