Describing Mental Illnesses: English Vocabulary List

relating to or exhibiting extreme antisocial attitudes and behaviors that are perceived as signs of a personality disorder

"He has sociopathic tendencies."

"He has sociopathic tendencies and feels no empathy or remorse for the people he hurts."

(of a physical illness) caused or aggravated by mental factors, such as stress and anxiety

"Her pain is psychosomatic."

"Her pain is psychosomatic which means it is caused by stress rather than a physical injury or illness."

lacking morality, shame, or consideration toward others

"The killer is psychopathic."

"The killer is psychopathic and enjoys causing pain and suffering to his victims."

not sane or unable to think clearly

"The patient is non compos mentis."

"The patient is non compos mentis and cannot make legal decisions for himself."

relating to or suffering from bipolar disorder

"He is manic-depressive."

"He is manic depressive and experiences extreme mood swings from very high to very low."

emotionally unstable and unable to cope with the requirements of a healthy social life

"The child is maladjusted."

"The child is maladjusted and has difficulty making friends and following rules at school."

emotional or psychological instability, including disruptions in mood, thought processes, or behavior

"His mind is unbalanced."

"His behavior became increasingly unbalanced after the traumatic event he experienced."

a condition characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and distress, typically resulting from experiencing a traumatic event

"The veteran remains shell-shocked years later."

"The veteran returned from war completely shell shocked unable to function normally in everyday civilian life."

characterized by a deep, lingering sadness or sorrow

"The music is melancholic."

"The music is melancholic and makes me feel sad and reflective about the past."

incapable of behaving normally or thinking clearly due to mental illness

"The person seemed deranged."

"The deranged killer left a note at the crime scene and the police psychologist analyzed it to understand his twisted mind."

feeling very unhappy and having no hope

"She feels depressed."

"She feels depressed and has lost interest in activities she used to enjoy."

associated with severe cognitive decline, leading to memory loss, confusion, etc.

"The old man is demented."

"The old man is demented and often forgets his own children names and faces."

experiencing or relating to alternating periods of high and low moods, known as mania and depression

"She is bipolar."

"She is bipolar and experiences extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows."