Generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire Health Dictionary

A psychological disorder, also called hysterical conversion, in which the affected individual presents with striking neurological symptoms – such as weakness, paralysis, sensory disturbances or memory loss – for which no organic cause can be identi?ed. Up to 4 per cent of patients attending neurological outpatient clinics have been estimated as having conversion disorders. The disorder remains controversial, with theories about its cause unsupported by controlled research results. In clinical practice the physician’s experience and intuition are major factors in diagnosis. It has been suggested that the physical symptoms represent guilt about a physical or emotional assault on someone else. Treatment using a COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR approach may help those with conversion disorders.... conversion disorder

A type of mental illness typi?ed by mood swings between elation (mania) and depression (see MENTAL ILLNESS).... bipolar disorder

A collection of psychological disorders in which a particular mental function becomes cut o? from a person’s mind. Hysterical AMNESIA is one example, when the person forgets his or her personal history but can still absorb and talk about new events. Other examples are FUGUE, depersonalisation (detachment from self and environment), and MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER.... dissociative disorder

The individual with this psychiatric disorder has two or more di?erent personalities, often contrasting. The dominant personality at the time determines the behaviour and attitude of the individual, who customarily seems not to know about the other personality – or personalities. The switch from one personality to another is abrupt and the mental condition of the di?ering personalities is usually normal. It is possible that child abuse is a factor in the disorder, which is treated by psychotherapy. The classic multiple personality was the ?ctional form of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.... multiple personality disorder

A mental-health problem which will be experienced at some time by up to 3 per cent of adults. The main feature is the occurrence of spontaneous intrusive thoughts that cause intense anxiety. Many of these thoughts prompt urges, or compulsions, to carry out particular actions in order to reduce the anxiety. One of the commonest obsessions is a fear of dirt and contamination that prompts compulsive cleaning or repeated and unnecessary handwashing. (See MENTAL ILLNESS.)... obsessive compulsive disorder

Known colloquially as SADS, this is a disorder in which an affected individual’s mood changes with the seasons. He or she is commonly depressed in winter, picking up again in the spring. The diagnosis is controversial and its prevalence is not known. The mood-change is probably related to light, with MELATONIN playing a key role. (See also MENTAL ILLNESS.)... seasonal affective disorder syndrome

Impulsive, destructive behaviour that often disregards the feelings and rights of others.

People who have an antisocial personality lack a sense of guilt and cannot tolerate frustration.

They may have problems with relationships and are frequently in trouble with the law.

Behaviour therapy, and various forms of psychotherapy, may help to improve integration.

In general, the effects of this disorder decrease with age.... antisocial personality disorder

A psychiatric disorder in which a person suffers intense anxiety about an imagined defect in part of his or her body.... body dysmorphic disorder

Condition in which the individual fails to learn from experience or to adapt to changes. The outcome is impaired social functioning and personal distress. There are three broad overlapping groups. One group is characterised by eccentric behaviour with paranoid or schizoid overtones. The second group shows dramatic and emotional behaviour with self-centredness and antisocial behaviour as typical components of the disorder. In the third group, anxiety and fear are the main characteristics, which are accompanied by dependency and compulsive behaviour. These disorders are not classed as illnesses but psychotherapy and behavioural therapy may help. The individuals affected are notoriously resistant to any help that is o?ered, tending to blame other people, circumstances or bad luck for their persistent diffculties. (See MENTAL ILLNESS; MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER; MUNCHAUSEN’S SYNDROME.)... personality disorder

Vague apprehension or tension, often associated with generalized anxiety disorder.... free-floating anxiety

A psychiatric illness characterized by chronic and persistent apprehension and tension that has no particular focus. There may also be physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, lightheadedness, and irritability. The condition can be treated with psychotherapy or with drugs such as beta blockers, sedatives or tranquillizers that relieve symptoms but do not treat the underlying condition.

(See anxiety; anxiety disorders.)... generalized anxiety disorder

A type of anxiety disorder, characterized by recurrent panic attacks of intense anxiety and distressing physical symptoms.... panic disorder

A form of anxiety that develops after a stressful or frightening event.

Common causes include natural disasters, violence, rape, torture, serious physical injury, and military combat.

Symptoms, which may develop many months after the event, include recurring memories or dreams of the event, a sense of personal isolation, and disturbed sleep and concentration.

There may be a deadening of feelings, or irritability and feelings of guilt, sometimes building up to depression.

Most people recover, in time, with emotional support and counselling.... post-traumatic stress disorder

An unpleasant emotional state ranging from mild unease to intense fear. Various physical symptoms are associated with anxiety; the most common include palpitations, chest pains, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and a tendency to overbreathe (see hyperventilation). Muscle tension leads to headaches and back pains. Gastrointestinal symptoms include dry mouth, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and difficulty in swallowing. Other symptoms include sweating, blushing, pallor, lightheadedness, and a frequent need to urinate or defaecate. Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations and prepares the mind and body to respond effectively. However, anxiety that occurs without reason may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder or another psychological disorder such as depression.

People suffering from anxiety may be helped by counselling or psychotherapy.

If there is an underlying disorder such as depression, treatment with antianxiety drugs can help.

Antianxiety drugs are used for short-term control of symptoms but are avoided for long-term treatment because they are addictive.... anxiety

(ADHD) A behavioural disorder in which a child has a consistently high level of activity and/or difficulty in attending to tasks. Attention deficit hyperactivity, or hyperkinetic, disorder affects up to 1 in 20 children in the. The disorder, which is more common in boys, should not be confused with the normal boisterous conduct of a healthy child. Children with consistently show abnormal patterns of behaviour over a period of time. An affected child is likely to be restless, unable to sit still for more than a few moments, inattentive, and impulsive.

The causes of are not fully understood, but the disorder often runs in families, which suggests that genetic factors may be involved. is not, as popularly believed, a result of poor parenting or abuse.

Symptoms develop in early childhood, usually between the ages of 3 and 7, and may include inability to finish tasks; short attention span; inability to concentrate in class; difficulty in following instructions; a tendency to talk excessively, frequently interrupting other people; difficulty in waiting or taking turns; inability to play quietly alone; and physical impulsiveness. Children with may have difficulty in forming friendships. Self-esteem is often low because an affected child is frequently scolded and criticized.

Treatment includes behaviour modification techniques, both at home and at school. In some children, avoidance of certain foods or food additives seems to reduce symptoms. In severe cases, stimulant drugs, usually methylphenidate, may be prescribed. Paradoxically, the use of stimulants in reduces hyperactivity and improves concentration. In general, the condition improves by adolescence but may be followed by antisocial behaviour and drug abuse or substance abuse.... attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The feelings of distress a young child experiences when parted from his or her parents or home. This is a normal aspect of infant behaviour and usually diminishes by age 3 or 4.

In separation anxiety disorder, the reaction to separation is greater than that expected for the child’s level of development.

The anxiety may manifest as physical symptoms.

Separation anxiety disorder may be a feature of depression.... separation anxiety

See NEUROSIS.... anxiety state

A lifelong disorder characterised by overactive behaviour, short attention span and poor concentration. It is thought to be caused by a minor abnormality that affects the part of the brain that allows us to concentrate and focus on tasks. Some scientists have suggested that it may be caused by particular foods, particularly processed foods containing arti?cial additives, and recommend special diets. In some countries, attention de?cit disorder is diagnosed in up to a tenth of all children; this may re?ect di?erences in paediatric practice and diagnosis rather than a real variation in prevalence of the disorder. Behaviour therapy is the main treatment. Those children with very severe symptoms of restlessness, short attention span and disturbed behaviour may respond to additional treatment with methylphenidate (Ritalin®). This is an amphetamine-like drug that is thought to stimulate the part of the brain that is not working properly. Use of this drug has, however, been controversial.... attention deficit disorder (hyperactivity syndrome)

A persistent or recurring condition or group of symptoms. Chronic disorders are customarily contrasted with acute diseases which start suddenly and last a short time. The symptoms of acute disease often include breathlessness, fever, severe pain and malaise, with the patient’s condition changing from day to day or even hour to hour. Those suffering from chronic conditions – for example, severe arthritis, protracted lung disease, ASTHMA or SILICOSIS – should be distinguished from those with a ‘static disability’ following a stroke or injury. Chronic disorders steadily deteriorate, often despite treatment and the patient is increasingly unable to carry out his or her daily activities.... chronic disorder

A predetermined set of questions used to collect data – clinical data, socioeconomic status etc. The instrument is either administered by an interviewer in an interview situation or is self-administered (by a subject).... questionnaire

A personality disorder that falls between neurotic and psychotic levels. Mood changes are often rapid and inappropriate. Angry outbursts are common, as are impulsive, self-damaging acts such as gambling or suicide attempts.... borderline personality disorder

A term introduced to PSYCHIATRY in 1980 after the Vietnam War. It is one of several psychiatric disorders that can develop in people exposed to severe trauma, such as a major physical injury, participation in warfare, assault or rape, or any event in which there is major loss of life or a threat of loss of life. Most people exposed to trauma do not develop psychiatric disorder; however, some develop immediate distress and, occasionally, the reaction can be delayed for many months. Someone with PTSD has regular recurrences of memories or images of the stressful event (‘?ashbacks’), especially when reminded of it. Insomnia, feelings of guilt and isolation, an inability to concentrate and irritability may result. DEPRESSION is very common. Support from friends and family is probably the best management, but those who do not recover quickly can be helped by antidepressants and psychological treatments such as COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY. Over the past few years, PTSD has featured increasingly in compensation litigation.... post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)

Anxiety can manifest due to some external causes. Sometimes represented by panic attacks, this affection shows you that there is something making you uncomfortable. What you need to understand about anxiety is that it is both a mental and a physical problem. A Tea for Anxiety will make you gain confidence and release the stress accumulation. Actually, a recent study showed that many people around the world suffer from this affection without knowing it. If you feel that there are things that make you feel nauseated, sweaty or simply want to run away, you might have anxiety problems. Remember, this is an illness and it can be treated, so do not despair! How Tea for Anxiety Works A Tea for Anxiety’s main goal is to make all the stress go away, by nourishing the nervous system and by inducing a state of calmness to you and your body. In other words, Teas for Anxiety have the same effect on you that teas for stress would have. All you have to do is acknowledge the fact that you have a problem and ask for medical assistance. Efficient Tea for Anxiety When choosing a Tea for Anxiety, you may want to look after the ones with the highest enzymes and nutrients level. If you don’t know which those teas are, here’s a list to help you out: - Valerian Tea – used as a powerful sleep aid by the ancient Romans, Valerian Tea is a great remedy in cases of sleeplessness, stress and anxiety. Also, if you suffer from sore throat, it might be a good answer. However, make sure you don’t drink more than 2 cups per day in order to avoid complication. Don’t take Valerian Tea if you’re preparing for a surgery: it might interfere with your anesthetic. - Passion Flower Tea – grown mostly in the United States of America, this plant provides the necessary herbs for a strong and very effective decoction. A cup of Passion Flower Tea before bed will calm your nerves and help you sleep better. - Saint John’s Wort Tea – a very useful decoction, used to treat menstrual and menopausal pains, as well as stress or sore throats, this Tea for Anxiety releases the natural endorphins produced by your body and enhances your immune system. In order to have the best results possible, a cup of Saint John’s Wort Tea per day should be enough. - Chamomile Tea – a very efficient Tea for Anxiety which calms both your physical pains and mental concerns. You can drink as much as you want, since it’s one hundred percent safe. Also, if you suffer from stress, menstrual or menopausal pains, sore throats, colds or flu, Chamomile tea is your answer. Tea for Allergies Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are safe. However, high dosage may lead to nausea or diarrhea. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual reactions, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Also, ask a specialist for advice before making any move and be well informed. If you have his approval, choose a Tea for Anxiety from this list and enjoy its natural benefits!... tea for anxiety

Any abnormality of physical or mental function.... disorder

A type of behavioural disorder that usually appears in childhood or early adolescence.

Typically, a child shows hostile, argumentative behaviour that includes loss of temper, defiance of rules, and swearing.

To some extent such behaviour is common in adolescence, but when law-breaking or violence occur the condition is deemed to be pathological.... oppositional defiant disorder

Acute or chronic, mild or severe.

Pathological anxiety is caused by a mood of fear, the resolution of which is usually psychological or spiritual. Apart from wise counselling it is sometimes necessary to give relaxants to reduce tension. Causes may be fatigue, low blood pressure, emotional exhaustion, autonomic imbalance, endocrine disturbance (hyperthyroidism, pre-menstrual tension), stress, conflict, schizophrenia, depression. Symptoms: dry mouth, increased sweating, fainting attacks, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath. Prolonged consumption of strong tea, coffee and other caffeine drinks leads to a deficiency of Vitamin B1 which manifests as general anxiety, even agoraphobia.

Alternatives:– Passion Flower, German Chamomile, Lime Blossom, Skullcap, Oats, Cowslip, Damiana, Dogwood, Valerian, Wild Lettuce, Motherwort, Pulsatilla.

In cases of anxiety the heart is involved – whether physically or otherwise. A ‘heart sustainer’ may give the patient an unexpected ‘lift’ enabling him to cope.

Motherwort tea. Combine equal parts: Motherwort (heart), Balm (gentle nerve relaxant), Valerian (psycho-autonomic). 1-2 teaspoons in each cup boiling water; infuse 10-15 minutes; 1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Powders. Formula. Motherwort 2; Passion Flower 1; Valerian half. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.

Tinctures. Combine, Oats 3; Hawthorn 1; Valerian 1. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water or honey thrice daily. Anxiety before menstruation. Evening Primrose Oil capsules. OR: Liquid Extract Pulsatilla BHP (1983) 3-5 drops, thrice daily.

Anxiety with obvious heart symptoms. Hawthorn 6; Valerian 1; Cactus 1; Holly 1; Hyssop 1. (Dr A. Vogel)

Bach Flower remedies: Rescue remedy.

Biostrath. Kava kava of special value.

Diet. Low salt, low fat, high fibre. Avoid alcohol, coffee, sugar and refined foods. Alfalfa tea for remineralisation.

Supplements. Vitamin B-complex, Magnesium, Zinc. 2-3 bananas daily for potassium.

Supportive: Relaxation technique: yoga, etc. ... anxiety states

A group of mental illnesses, including several specific syndromes, in which symptoms of anxiety are the main feature. These disorders are common and mainly affect young adults.

In generalized anxiety disorder, there is persistent tension and apprehension that has no specific focus or cause, together with physical or psychological symptoms that disrupt normal activity. Panic disorders are characterized by sudden attacks of extreme, unreasonable anxiety. Phobias are irrational fears, such as the fear of open spaces or spiders, that lead to avoidance of certain situations or objects.

Counselling, psychotherapy, and group or individual cognitive–behaviour therapy are used to treat anxiety disorders.

Antianxiety drugs (especially benzodiazepine drugs) may be used for shortterm treatment but are addictive.... anxiety disorders

Inability to relate socially to other people. People with this trait, which is apparent from childhood, are often described as “loners” and have few, if any, friends. They are eccentric, seem to lack concern for others, and are apparently detached from normal day-to-day activities.... schizoid personality disorder

A psychiatric condition in which a person is dogged by persistent ideas (obsessions) that lead to repetitive, ritualized acts (compulsions). Obsessions are commonly based on fears about security or becoming infected. In obsessional rumination, there is constant brooding over a word, phrase, or unanswerable problem. Compulsions may occur frequently enough to disrupt work and social life. The disorder is often accompanied by depression and anxiety. If severe, a person may become housebound.

The disorder usually starts in adolescence. Genetic factors, an obsessive personality, or a tendency to neurotic symptoms may contribute. Some types of brain damage, especially in encephalitis, can cause obsessional symptoms. Many sufferers respond well to behaviour therapy, which may be combined with antidepressant drugs, but symptoms may recur under stress.... obsessive–compulsive disorder

A condition in which a person complains over a period of several years of various physical problems for which no organic cause can be found. The disorder, which is more common in women, usually begins before age 30 and leads to numerous tests by many doctors. Unnecessary surgery and other treatments may result. The condition is often associated with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. (See also conversion disorder; hypochondriasis.)... somatization disorder

(toxic pustuloderma) a reaction to a medication, resulting in the appearance of fine sterile *pustules on inflamed skin; the pustules may easily be overlooked. Common causes include penicillins, and pustular psoriasis must be excluded from the diagnosis.... acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis

(mood disorder) any psychiatric disorder featuring abnormalities of mood or emotion (*affect). The most serious of these are *depression and *mania. Other affective disorders include *SAD (seasonal affective disorder).... affective disorder

a *behaviour therapy designed to allow patients who suffer from anxiety disorders to reduce their symptoms by learning how to achieve states of relaxation and deal with excessive *rumination about anxiety-provoking thoughts.... anxiety management

a psychiatric disorder in infants and young children resulting from *institutionalization, poor parenting, emotional neglect, or *child abuse. Affected children may be withdrawn or aggressive, and fearful or attention-seeking and indiscriminately friendly. Treatment requires the provision of stable caring adults as parents over a long period of time.... attachment disorder

(auditory neuropathy, auditory dyssynchrony) a form of hearing loss characterized by normal cochlear function as measured by *otoacoustic emissions or detection of *cochlear microphonics but abnormal or absent *middle ear reflexes and abnormal *auditory brainstem responses.... auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder

(APD, central auditory processing disorder, CAPD) a series of conditions characterized by difficulty in hearing and processing auditory information, especially in poor acoustic environments, despite normal or near-normal ear function. It may be due to genetic factors, maturational delay in the central nervous system, or focal abnormalities of the central nervous system (such as tumours). Treatments include *hearing therapy, *auditory skills training, educational support, use of *assistive listening devices, and training with computerized therapy tools.... auditory processing disorder

(BPAD) a severe mental illness affecting about 1% of the population and causing repeated episodes of *depression, *mania, and/or *mixed affective state. Type I BPAD consists equally of depressive and manic episodes, whereas Type II BPAD consists primarily of depressive episodes with occasional phases of *hypomania. Treatment is that of the individual episode. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are used to treat depressive episodes together with mood stabilizers (e.g. *lithium) or antiepileptics. Mood stabilizers are also used to prevent or lessen future episodes. Mania is most commonly treated with benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. ECT may be used for either episode in severe cases. To prevent future episodes many patients need combinations of mood stabilizers with *antidepressant or *antipsychotic medication. Certain types of educational *psychotherapy can be used to prevent relapse as well as to treat the individual episode. Up to 50% of BPAD patients have substance abuse problems, and many suffer from residual mood symptoms between episodes.

BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) a standardized system of terminology, report organization, assessment, and classification for mammography and ultrasound or MRI of the breast. BI-RADS reporting enables radiologists to communicate results to the referring physician clearly and consistently, with a final assessment and specific management recommendations.

The success of BI-RADS has inspired several other systems of the same kind: TI-RADS (Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System); LI-RADS (Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System); and PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System).... bipolar affective disorder

a screening tool for alcoholism, widely used in hospitals, primary care, and psychiatric services. The name derives from an acronym of its four questions: (1) Have you ever felt you needed to cut down on your drinking? (2) Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? (3) Have you ever felt guilty about drinking? (4) Have you ever felt you needed a drink first thing in the morning (eye-opener) to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover? A CAGE test score of two or more yes answers indicates a reasonably high likelihood of alcohol problems.... cage questionnaire

see auditory processing disorder.... central auditory processing disorder

a repetitive and persistent pattern of aggressive or otherwise antisocial behaviour. It is usually recognized in childhood or adolescence and may include such behaviours as unusually frequent and severe temper tantrums, arguing with adults, defying rules, being angry and resentful, cruelty to animals, lying or breaking promises, use of weapons, sexual aggression, destroying property, truancy, bullying, and general delinquency. It can lead to *antisocial personality disorder. Treatment is usually with *behaviour therapy or *family therapy, although there is some debate as to whether it should be seen as a social rather than a medical problem.... conduct disorder

any one of a group of conditions in infancy or childhood, that are characterized by delays in biologically determined psychological functions, such as language. They are more common in males than females and tend to follow a course of disability with gradual improvement. They are classified into pervasive conditions, in which many types of development are involved (e.g. *autism), and specific disorders, in which the disability is an isolated problem (such as *dyslexia).... developmental disorder

a *personality disorder characterized by a tendency to act impulsively without consideration of the consequences, unpredictable and capricious mood, a tendency towards outbursts of emotion, inability to control behavioural explosions, quarrelsome behaviour, and conflict with others. There is an impulsive type, with particular emphasis on impulsivity and quarrelsome behaviour, especially when criticized; and a borderline type, with an emphasis on disturbance and uncertainty about self-image (including sexual preference), liability to become involved in intense and unstable relationships, excessive efforts to avoid abandonment, recurrent threats or acts of self-harm, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Treatments include cognitive analytical therapy (see cognitive therapy), *antipsychotic medication, and occasionally *SSRIs and *lithium. In DSM-5 the disorder is called borderline personality disorder.... emotionally unstable personality disorder

(FASD, fetal alcohol syndrome, FAS) a condition of newborn babies that results from the toxic effects on the fetus of maternal alcohol abuse. Babies have a low birth weight and growth is retarded. They have a small head (*microcephaly), low-set ears, eye, nose, lip, and nail abnormalities, and disturbances of behaviour and intellect. The greater the alcohol abuse, the more severe the fetal manifestations.... fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

thought disturbance characterized by disconnected thinking, manifested by disturbed speech in which the patient’s train of thought cannot be followed. Formal thought disorder was first described by the German psychiatrist Kurt Schneider and later elaborated on by various authors. Looking for evidence of formal thought disorder is part of every *mental state examination. It includes *loosening of associations, omissions, and *knight’s-move thinking.... formal thought disorder

a condition in which a patient complains of symptoms for which no physical cause can be found. Such a condition is frequently an indication of a psychiatric disorder. Compare organic disorder.... functional disorder

a pattern of behaviour characterized by impaired control over digital gaming, increased priority given to gaming over other interests and activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences. For gaming disorder to be diagnosed, the behaviour pattern must be of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment of personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning and would normally have been evident for at least 12 months. Gaming disorder was first introduced as a diagnostic entity in ICD-11 in 2018. It is estimated that around 2% of people who regularly play digital games are affected. Treatment follows the principles of other *addiction treatments.... gaming disorder

(GHQ) a reliable screening tool published in 1978 for identifying minor psychiatric disorders, still frequently used for research in the general population. The 28-question version (GHQ28) is most commonly used, but the GHQ is available in lengths from 12 to 60 questions.... general health questionnaire

a type of *personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, self-dramatization, inappropriately seductive behaviour, and an excessive need for approval. It affects more women than men. Classified as a specific personality disorder in DSM-IV-TR, in DSM-5 it is treated as a subtype of *narcissistic personality disorder.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) a *retrovirus responsible for *AIDS. There are two varieties, HIV-1 and HIV-2; the latter is most common in Africa. See also HTLV.... histrionic personality disorder

a condition in which a person struggles to discard useless or worn-out possessions, acquires an excessive number of such items, and stores them in a chaotic manner resulting in unmanageable clutter. The items are nearly always of little or no monetary value, although valuable items are often found mixed indiscriminately with the rest. Hoarding disorder was included in DSM-5 in 2013 as a new disorder and has been considered for introduction in ICD-11.... hoarding disorder

see attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.... hyperkinetic disorder

see hypochondria.... illness anxiety disorder

a condition marked by a persistent delusion not associated with any other *mental illness. It is often of a *paranoid or persecutory nature, but can have any delusional content. Treatment is often difficult because patients commonly lack insight and refuse to try medication. When compliance can be achieved, the majority of patients respond well to antipsychotic medication.... monodelusional disorder

see affective disorder.... mood disorder

(NEAD) a condition characterized by episodes that resemble epileptic seizures but lack the abnormal electrical activity in the brain typically associated with *epilepsy. See non-epileptic seizure.... non-epileptic attack disorder

a disorder associated with changes in the structure of an organ or tissue. Compare functional disorder.... organic disorder

see PHQ-9.... patient health questionnaire

a personality disorder characterized by cold aloof feelings, eccentricities of behaviour, odd ways of thinking and talking, and occasional short periods of intense illusions, hallucinations, or delusion-like ideas.... schizotypal personality disorder

see SAD.... seasonal affective disorder

an extreme fear of humiliating or embarrassing oneself in social situations (e.g. dating, parties, eating with other people, asking questions, etc.). Symptoms include shaking, blushing, gastrointestinal disturbances, sweating, and other signs of anxiety; people with social anxiety disorder may avoid social situations. Treatment includes cognitive behavioural therapy, occupational therapy, and medication (e.g. antidepressants, anxiolytics, or beta blockers).... social anxiety disorder

in DSM-5, a psychiatric disorder characterized by one or more chronic somatic symptoms about which patients are excessively concerned, preoccupied, or fearful, formerly called somatization disorder. These fears and behaviours cause significant distress and dysfunction, and although patients may make frequent use of health-care services, they are rarely reassured and often feel their medical care has been inadequate. The disorder can disrupt personal and family relationships and lead to unnecessary medical and surgical treatment. It is sometimes treated with *cognitive behavioural therapy, *psychotherapy, and/or *antidepressants.... somatic symptom disorder