Talking about Psychology: English Vocabulary List

a chronic mental disorder in which a person's ability to think, feel or behave is affected, often associated with the distortion of reality

"Schizophrenia distorts reality perception."

"Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder affecting a person's ability to think, feel, and behave, often involving a distortion of reality."

a mental condition that is not caused by organic disease in which one is constantly anxious, worried, and stressed

"Neurosis causes constant anxiety."

"Neurosis is a mental condition characterized by constant anxiety, worry, and stress, but without a loss of contact with reality."

a psychotherapy that targets negative thoughts and behaviors to address mental health issues

"CBT targets negative thoughts."

"Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychotherapy that targets negative thoughts and behaviors to effectively address various mental health issues."

a severe mental condition in which the patient loses contact with external reality

"Psychosis means losing touch with reality."

"Psychosis is a severe mental condition where an individual loses contact with external reality and experiences distorted perceptions."

a psychological disorder that causes a person to spend a lot of time thinking obsessively about the imaginary imperfections in their appearance

"BDD focuses on imaginary flaws."

"Body dysmorphic disorder causes a person to obsessively focus on imaginary imperfections in their appearance."

a disorder causing a person to have recurring unwanted thoughts or to do something such as cleaning or checking on something over and over

"OCD has unwanted thoughts."

"Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves recurring unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors such as excessive cleaning or checking."

a disorder that is formed in a person who has experienced a very shocking or frightening event, causing them to have nightmares or flashbacks from the event

"PTSD causes flashbacks from trauma."

"Post-traumatic stress disorder can cause nightmares and flashbacks following a shocking or frightening event."

a condition, experienced mostly by children, making them seem restless, unable to keep focus, and act impulsively

"ADHD causes restlessness and impulsivity."

"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder causes restlessness, inability to focus, and impulsive actions."

a mental illness that causes a person to act impulsively, to experience severe shifts in mood, and to be unable to form interpersonal relationships

"BPD causes impulsive actions."

"Borderline personality disorder involves impulsive behavior, mood swings, and relationship difficulties."

a psychological condition in which there are more than one personality in a person, each personality has different memories and patterns of behavior

"DID has many personalities."

"Dissociative identity disorder means having multiple personalities with different memories and behaviors."

a strategy or behavior used to manage or counteract challenging emotions, thoughts, or situations

"Humor can be a healthy coping mechanism for dealing with difficult times."

"Exercise serves as an effective coping mechanism for reducing stress and anxiety."

an unconscious mental strategy individuals use to cope with anxiety, discomfort, or threatening emotions

"Denial is a common defense mechanism."

"A defense mechanism is an unconscious psychological tactic the ego employs to protect itself from anxiety triggered by unacceptable thoughts or feelings."