Category: P

Progressive interaction between a person and the environment through stages beginning in infancy, as described by erik erikson (1902–1994). A person at phase-specific developmental points faces specific developmental tasks involving social relations and the role of social reality. The early stages parallel those of psychosexual development; the later stages extend through adulthood. Successful and unsuccessful…

A severe mental disorder characterized by gross impairment in reality testing, typically manifested by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, or disorganized or catatonic behavior. Psychosis can be caused by psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, delusional disorders, and some mood disorders; by medical and neurological diseases; by brain injury; and by substances of abuse. A major mental…

A form of therapy that deals with a range of sexual problems including sexual arousal disorders, orgasmic disorders, and loss of sexual desire.  

A series of stages from infancy to adulthood, relatively fixed in time, determined by the interaction between a person’s biological drives and the environment. With resolution of this interaction, a balanced, reality-oriented development takes place; with disturbance, fixation and conflict ensue. This disturbance may remain latent or give rise to mental disorders. In the theory…

A group of disorders characterized by physical symptoms that are affected by emotional factors and involve a single organ system, usually under autonomic nervous system (ANS) control. Symptoms are caused by physiological changes that normally accompany certain emotional states, but the changes are more intense and sustained. Frequently called psychosomatic disorders. These disorders are usually…

The study of the effects of psychoactive substances on behavior, mood, sensation, and cognition. Clinical psychopharmacology includes both the study of medication effects in patients and the expert use of medications in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The study of the effects and mechanisms of action of psychoactive drugs. The study of the actions and…

The study of the significant causes and processes in the development of mental disorders. Also the manifestations of mental disorders. The study of psychological disorders. A branch of medicine concerned with the pathology of mental disorders and diseases. Study of the causes and manifestations of mental disorders. The signs, symptoms, and other physical and emotional…

Antisocial personality disorder. An early term for antisocial personality. Such persons are sometimes referred to as psychopaths.  

The study of the interaction between psychological processes and the nervous and immune systems. A branch of medicine which deals with how emotions affect the immune system. The science of the effects of thought and emotion upon the functioning of the body’s immune defences. Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of the effects of emotions, behavior, and…

A generalized slowing of physical, cognitive, and emotional responses. Specifically, the slowing of movements such as eye blinking; frequently seen in depression. Disordered behavior likely to be exhibited by bipolar depressive patients. The slowing of movement and speech, caused by depression. A generalized slowing of physical and mental reactions; seen frequently in depression, intoxications, and…