Glossary ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of talk therapy that breaks harmful thought and behavioral patterns by encouraging patients to focus on the present moment and practice self-acceptance. You can acknowledge your thoughts and feelings rather than battling them or feeling guilty about them with the aid of this therapeutic approach. ACT can help you reduce your intrusive thoughts, accept the “uncontrollables” in your life, and change the way you respond to negative life events. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adults. It is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily activities, relationships, and academic or occupational performance. Inattention may present as difficulty focusing or following through with tasks, losing things frequently, and forgetfulness. Hyperactivity may appear as excessive movement or fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, and talking excessively. Impulsivity can manifest as acting without thinking, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for one’s turn. Treatment options for ADHD include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep hygiene. Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that affects an individual’s mood, energy, and ability to function. It is characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania, and depression. Mania may present as an elevated or irritable mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, grandiosity, impulsivity, and increased energy. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that may be less disruptive but still present significant challenges. Depression may manifest as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Treatment options for bipolar disorder include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to mental health problems. It aims to teach individuals how to recognize and challenge their negative thoughts, improve coping skills, and develop more positive attitudes and behaviors. CBT has been shown to be effective for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. It may be delivered in individual or group therapy settings. Depression Depression is a mood disorder that affects an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. Other symptoms may include changes in appetite, sleep, energy, and concentration. Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment options for depression include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) EMDR is a type of therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help individuals process and cope with traumatic experiences. This therapy involves accessing emotionally disturbing memories, thoughts, and feelings while simultaneously engaging in eye movements, tapping, or auditory stimuli. The goal of EMDR is to desensitize individuals to the traumatic event, reducing the emotional distress associated with the memory. Emotionally Focused Therapy Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful technique for assisting people in strengthening their relationships with others. EFT aids individuals in comprehending and addressing the underlying emotions and patterns that underlie these negative cycles in attachment relationships. EFT teaches you (and your partner or other attachment figure) how to react to emotional circumstances in a way that strengthens rather than weakens your connections. This enables you to mend old wounds and move past them going forward. GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) GAD is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of events or activities. Symptoms may include restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. GAD can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment options for GAD include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and mindfulness. Hypochondriasis Hypochondriasis is a mental health condition where individuals are preoccupied with the fear of having a serious illness, despite having no or minimal physical symptoms. This condition may lead to excessive medical testing and reassurance-seeking behaviors. Treatment options for hypochondriasis include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques. Medication Management To help you live the life you desire, medications serve as a crucial component of your mental and emotional health care. They can reduce or even entirely eliminate physical symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other conditions. Medication management can be the key to keeping your symptoms under control, and can help you achieve the results you want from your prescriptions. It involves working out the right medication, dosage, and timing, amongst other considerations. Neuropsychology Neuropsychology broadly refers to the study of behavior, the mind, and how the central nervous system—specifically the two cerebral hemispheres and other subcortical structures—relates to them. Neuropsychologists carry out assessments to identify behavioral and cognitive abnormalities brought on by diseases or injuries to the central nervous system. Neuropsychological Evaluation A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s cognitive and behavioral functioning, including memory, attention, language, perception, and problem-solving. It is typically conducted by a neuropsychologist and may involve a variety of tests and assessments. Neuropsychological evaluations are used to diagnose and treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including traumatic brain injury, dementia, ADHD, and learning disabilities. OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) OCD is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts or obsessions, which lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions. Common obsessions may include concerns about cleanliness, safety, or morality, while compulsions may involve excessive cleaning, checking, or counting. OCD can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment options for OCD include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as relaxation techniques. Panic Disorder Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurring panic attacks, which involve sudden and intense feelings of fear or terror. Panic attacks may include symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, shaking, and dizziness. Panic disorder can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment options for panic disorder include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, hypervigilance, and changes in mood or behavior. PTSD can be caused by a variety of traumatic events, including combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, and accidents. Treatment options for PTSD include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, mindfulness, and stress management techniques. Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that involves talking to a mental health professional to improve mental health and well-being. There are many different types of psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Psychotherapy can be delivered in individual, group, or family settings, and can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental health condition that affects an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, disordered thinking, and difficulty with motivation and social interaction. Schizophrenia can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment options for schizophrenia include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress management techniques. Social Anxiety Disorder Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent and intense fear of social situations. Symptoms may include excessive worry about being judged or embarrassed, avoidance of social situations, physical symptoms such as sweating or shaking, and difficulty with communication. Social anxiety disorder can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment options for social anxiety disorder include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exposure therapy and relaxation techniques. Substance Abuse Substance abuse is a pattern of harmful or hazardous use of drugs or alcohol that can lead to negative consequences such as health problems, social and occupational problems, and legal issues. Substance abuse can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment options for substance abuse include detoxification, medication, therapy, and support groups. Suicide Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. It is a serious public health concern and a leading cause of death worldwide. Suicide can be caused by a variety of factors, including mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, as well as environmental and societal factors. Treatment options for suicidal individuals may include crisis intervention, medication, therapy, and support groups. Therapy Therapy is a type of treatment that involves talking to a mental health professional to improve mental health and well-being. There are many different types of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Therapy can be delivered in individual, group, or family settings, and can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. Trauma Trauma refers to a psychological response to a distressing or disturbing event, such as physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, or military combat. Traumatic events can cause a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms, including anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and physical pain. Treatment for trauma may involve therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques. Common types of trauma-focused therapy include cognitive processing therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and prolonged exposure therapy. It’s important to note that not all individuals who experience traumatic events develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or require treatment, and different types of traumas can affect individuals in different ways.
