Psychiatry Dictionary
Some concepts used in psychiatry and psychotherapy are also frequently encountered in everyday language. However, the same word can have different meanings in everyday language and in clinical usage. For this reason, I have compiled this glossary with the aim of explaining concepts frequently used in the fields of psychiatry and psychotherapy in clear and scientific language.
Understanding a concept does not mean that a person is diagnosing themselves or someone else. Psychiatric symptoms are assessed in conjunction with the person’s history, the difficulties they are experiencing, the duration, severity and impact on daily life.
A
ADHD — Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent difficulties related to attention regulation, impulse control, and/or hyperactivity. Symptoms may continue into adulthood.
Affect
The outwardly observable expression of a person's emotional experience. Facial expression, tone of voice, and behavior can provide information about affect.
Agitation
The outward manifestation of inner restlessness in the form of increased motor activity, inability to stay still, or marked tension.
Agoraphobia
An anxiety disorder characterized by marked fear of and avoidance of situations such as using public transportation, being in open or enclosed spaces, standing in line or being in a crowd, or being outside the home alone; in these situations escape may be difficult or help may be hard to access if panic-like symptoms occur.
Alexithymia
A concept describing difficulty in recognizing one's own emotions, distinguishing between them, and expressing them in words.
Ambivalence
The simultaneous presence of opposing emotions, thoughts, or tendencies about a person, situation, or topic.
Anhedonia
A reduced interest in, or capacity to experience pleasure from, activities that were previously enjoyable. It is common in depressive states but does not by itself mean a diagnosis of depression.
Anticipatory Anxiety
It is a future-oriented anxiety arising from the thought that an event, situation, or symptom that has not yet occurred might have a negative outcome. It can manifest—particularly in individuals who have previously experienced panic attacks—as worry regarding the possibility of suffering another attack. It is not a standalone psychiatric diagnosis.
Anxiety
A mental, emotional, and physical experience associated with the expectation of threat or danger. A certain level of anxiety is normal; clinical evaluation may be needed when its intensity, persistence, and impact on functioning increase.
Apathy
A condition characterized by reduced motivation, interest, and goal-directed behavior. It may resemble anhedonia but is not the same concept.
Avoidance
The behavior of staying away from people, situations, thoughts, emotions, or memories that trigger anxiety, fear, or discomfort. Although it may provide short-term relief, it can contribute to the persistence of some problems.