Category: M

The process of estimating psychological and behavioral function by observing the patient, eliciting his or her self-description, and using formal questioning. Included in the examination are 1) assessment of any psychiatric condition present, including provisional diagnosis and prognosis, determination of degree of impairment, suitability for treatment, and indications for particular types of therapeutic intervention; 2)…

The level and style of functioning of the psyche, including a person’s intellectual functioning and emotional, attitudinal, psychological, and personality aspects and the relationships between them. The term is commonly used to refer to the results of the examination of the patient’s mental state. The functional state of the mind as judged by the individual’s…

Signs and symptoms of insufficient intensity or duration to meet the criteria for any mental disorder.  

A health coverage concept in which the scope and limitations of mental health services included in a health insurance plan are identical to those provided for medical health care services. Usually, the “parity” is restricted to disorders that are considered brain or neurobiologically based disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autistic disorder,…

A state of being that is relative rather than absolute. The successful performance of mental functions shown by productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity. The best indices of mental health are simultaneous success at working, loving, and creating with the capacity for…

A behavioral or psychological syndrome that causes significant distress (a painful symptom) or disability (impairment in one or more important areas of functioning) or a significantly increased risk for death, pain, or an important loss of freedom. The syndrome is considered to be a manifestation of some behavioral, psychological, or biological dysfunction in the person…

A measure of mental ability as determined by psychological tests. A score devised by Binet to represent a person’s test performance. A measurement based on intelligence tests that shows a person’s intellectual development, usually compared to standardised data for a chronological age. A numerical summary reflecting a child’s comparative performance on a mental ability or…

A culture-specific syndrome.  

Pathological lying.  

The physical and psychological changes that take place as the brain organizes and restructures information that may become a permanent part of memory.