Glossary for mental wellbeing & therapy
Mental health is critical to overall well-being, impacting various emotional and psychological conditions. This glossary provides definitions, symptoms, and treatment options for major mental health issues and therapies. Whether you're seeking information on anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, or therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Art Therapy, this guide offers valuable insights for understanding and managing mental health effectively.
Emotional issues
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders encompass six main types: Panic Disorder, Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These conditions are characterized by excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily activities. Symptoms include persistent worry, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Panic Disorder specifically involves sudden intense fear (panic attacks) with physical symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath. While mild anxiety can be managed with exercise and relaxation techniques, severe anxiety disorders require medical treatment or psychotherapy. Medications include various anti-anxiety drugs, and the most common psychotherapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps patients understand and change negative thought and behavior patterns.
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression, is characterized by extreme mood swings between depressive episodes and manic episodes. Depressive symptoms include persistent sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, loss of interest, and suicidal thoughts. Manic symptoms include increased energy, irritability, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, grandiosity, and impulsive behavior. Treatments include medications such as mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium), antipsychotics, and antidepressants, as well as psychotherapies like CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family therapy. Regular psychological support and self-management strategies are also important.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by persistent obsessions and compulsions. Patients often have excessive concerns about contamination, dirt, or illness or doubt about performing certain behaviors. Compulsive behaviors include repetitive cleaning, checking, organizing, and hoarding. These behaviors are considered excessive, unreasonable, time-consuming, distressing, and disruptive to daily life. Treatments include medications (e.g., SSRIs, clomipramine) and psychotherapies such as Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy and CBT.
Phobias
Phobias involve extreme or irrational fear of specific situations, objects, or activities. Common phobias include fear of heights, dogs, water, blood, driving, and flying. Treatments include systematic desensitization, exposure therapy, and CBT.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a behavioral syndrome characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Symptoms include inability to complete tasks, difficulty concentrating, distractibility, blurting out answers, impatience, restlessness, difficulty organizing tasks, excessive talking, running around, and climbing. ADHD symptoms typically appear before age seven and can impair social, academic, and occupational functioning. Treatments include medication, such as central nervous system stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate and amphetamines) and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine), as well as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and social skills training.
Depression
Depression is an emotional disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Symptoms include low mood, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep problems, restlessness, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of suicide. Depression can be triggered by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. If it impacts daily life, seeking professional help is essential. Treatments include medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) and psychotherapies (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal therapy). Other treatments include Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS).
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, accompanied by concerns about future attacks, worry about the consequences of attacks, and behavioral changes related to the attacks. Symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, chest pain, and fear of losing control. Treatments include medications (e.g., SSRIs, benzodiazepines) and CBT, especially exposure therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, violent crime, or combat. Symptoms include recurrent intrusive memories of the trauma, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, heightened arousal (e.g., being easily startled, difficulty sleeping). These symptoms may persist for months or longer. Treatments include exposure therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and CBT. Medications include SSRIs and SNRIs.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, interests, and behavior. Symptoms include difficulty with social interactions, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and limited interests. ASD is not a mental or psychological illness but a lifelong developmental disorder. Patients perceive the world differently, and the severity varies greatly among individuals; some may have learning difficulties, while others have exceptional talents. Treatments include behavioral therapies (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training. Early intervention and individualized education plans (IEPs) are crucial.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder is an emotional disorder characterized by severe depressive episodes. Symptoms include loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, persistent sadness, pessimism, significant negative emotions, changes in appetite and weight, sleep problems, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts. Treatments include SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and psychotherapies such as CBT and psychodynamic therapy.
Personality Disorders
Personality Disorders are characterized by rigid and unhealthy thinking, functioning, and behavior patterns that interfere with daily life. Specific types are classified into three clusters:
Cluster A: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal
Cluster B: Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic
Cluster C: Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive
Treatments include psychotherapies such as CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic therapy. Medication can also help alleviate symptoms in certain cases.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disconnect from reality, hallucinations (typically auditory), delusions, disorganized thinking and behavior, reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, and impaired daily functioning. The cause is unknown, and symptoms vary widely. Treatments include antipsychotic medications, CBT, family therapy, and social skills training. Ongoing psychological support and social services are also crucial.
焦慮症
焦慮症有六種主要類型:恐慌症、恐懼症、社交恐懼症、廣泛性焦慮症、強迫症和創傷後壓力症候群。這些疾病的特徵是過度擔心或恐懼,干擾日常活動。症狀包括持續擔心、煩躁、疲勞、難以集中注意力、肌肉緊張和睡眠障礙。恐慌症具體包括突然出現的強烈恐懼(恐慌發作),伴隨心悸和呼吸急促等身體症狀。焦慮可以通過運動、冥想和放鬆技術等方式自我改善,但嚴重的焦慮症需要藥物治療或心理治療。藥物治療包括各種抗焦慮藥物如苯二氮卓类药物和选择性5-羟色胺再摄取抑制剂(SSRIs)。心理治療最常見的是認知行為療法(CBT),能幫助患者認識自己並改變導致負面情緒的思考和行為模式。其他治療方法包括暴露療法和接受與承諾療法(ACT)。
雙極性情感障礙
雙極性情感障礙,又名躁鬱症,特徵是憂鬱發作和躁狂發作之間的極端情緒波動。憂鬱發作症狀包括持續的悲傷、疲勞、絕望、失去興趣和動力、睡眠問題、食慾改變、無價值感和自殺想法。躁狂發作症狀包括精力增加、亢奮、易怒、減少睡眠需求、語速加快、浮誇的自我形象和衝動行為。治療方法包括藥物治療,如情緒穩定劑(如鋰鹽)、抗精神病藥物和抗抑鬱藥物。心理治療方法包括認知行為療法、辯證行為療法和家庭治療。定期的心理支持和自我管理策略也很重要。
強迫症
強迫症以持續的強迫觀念和行為為特徵,患者通常對污染、污垢或疾病過度關注,或對執行特定行為懷疑不安。強迫行為包括重複清潔、檢查、排序和囤積,這些行為被認為是過度的、不合理的、耗時的、痛苦的,並干擾日常生活。治療包括藥物治療(如SSRIs和氯米帕明)和心理治療(如暴露與反應預防療法和認知行為療法)。
恐懼症
對特定情況、物體或活動的極端或非理性恐懼,恐懼症患者要麼避免,要麼忍受嚴重的痛苦。常見恐懼症包括對高度、狗、水、血液、駕駛和飛行的恐懼。治療包括系統脫敏療法、暴露療法和認知行為療法。
多動症
多動症是一種行為綜合症,其特徵是注意力不集中、衝動和過動。症狀包括無法完成任務、難以集中注意力、分心、脫口而出答案、不耐煩、焦躁不安、坐立不安、組織困難、輪流挑戰、說話過多、跑來跑去和攀爬。ADHD 症狀在七歲前開始出現,可能會損害社交、學業和職業功能。治療包括藥物治療,如中樞神經系統刺激劑(如哌甲酯和安非他命類藥物)和非刺激劑(如阿托莫西汀)。心理治療方法包括行為療法、認知行為療法和社交技能訓練。
抑鬱症
抑鬱症是一種情緒障礙,表現為持續的悲傷感、絕望感以及對曾經喜歡的活動缺乏興趣。症狀包括情緒低落、對事物失去興趣、食慾改變、睡眠問題、激動不安、缺乏動力、覺得自己毫無價值、難以集中注意力和自殺想法。抑鬱症可能由生理、心理和環境因素引起,若影響日常生活,應及早尋求專業幫助。治療包括藥物治療(如SSRIs和SNRIs)和心理治療(如認知行為療法、心理動力療法和人際心理治療)。其他治療方法包括電痙攣療法(ECT)和重複性經顱磁刺激(rTMS)。
恐慌症
恐慌症是一種焦慮症,其特徵是反覆出現意想不到的恐慌發作,伴隨對再次發作的擔憂、對發作後果的擔憂以及與發作相關的行為變化。症狀包括心悸、呼吸困難、出汗、顫抖、胸痛和害怕失控。治療方法包括藥物治療(如SSRIs和苯二氮卓类药物)和認知行為療法,特別是暴露療法。
創傷後壓力症候群
創傷後壓力症是一種焦慮症,發生於個人經歷過巨大的威脅性或災難性事件後,症狀包括反復闖入的創傷記憶、避免聯想創傷的情景、神經過敏(如容易受驚、難以入睡),這些症狀可能持續數月甚至更長。治療包括暴露療法、眼動脫敏再處理療法(EMDR)和認知行為療法,藥物治療包括SSRIs和SNRIs。
自閉症
自閉症是一種複雜的神經發展障礙,影響患者的社交、溝通、興趣和行為。症狀包括社交互動困難、語言和非語言溝通問題、重複行為和有限的興趣。自閉症並不是精神或心理疾病,而是一種長期的發展障礙。患者的感知方式與一般人不同,嚴重程度因人而異;有些患者可能有學習困難,而其他人則有特殊天賦。治療方法包括行為療法(如應用行為分析,ABA)、言語治療、職業治療和社交技能訓練。早期干預和定制化教育計劃(IEPs)對幫助自閉症患者尤其重要。
嚴重憂鬱症
嚴重憂鬱症是一種情緒障礙,其症狀包括對曾經令人愉快的活動缺乏興趣、持續悲傷、悲觀主義、顯著的負面情緒、食慾和體重變化、睡眠問題、能量短缺、感覺自己毫無價值、不恰當的罪惡感、難以集中注意力和做出決策、自殺意念和自殺未遂。治療包括SSRIs、SNRIs、三环类抗抑郁药(TCAs)、单胺氧化酶抑制剂(MAOIs)和心理治療(如CBT和心理動力療法)。
人格障礙
人格障礙特徵是僵化和不健康的思維、功能和行為模式,干擾日常生活。特定類型的人格障礙分為三類:
· A 簇:偏執型、精神分裂型
· B 簇:反社會型、邊緣型、自戀型、戲劇型
· C 簇:逃避型、依賴型、強迫型
治療包括心理治療,如認知行為療法、辯證行為療法和心理動力療法。藥物治療在某些情況下也可以幫助緩解症狀。
季節性情感障礙
季節性情感障礙是一種與季節變化有關的憂鬱症,通常在秋季開始,持續到冬季,患者感到精力減退和情緒低落。治療包括光療(光療)、認知行為療法和藥物治療(如SSRIs)。
Different types of therapy
Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT)
VRT uses virtual reality technology to create immersive and controlled environments for therapeutic purposes. The therapy is particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders, PTSD, and phobias. By exposing patients to virtual simulations of anxiety-provoking situations, VRT helps them confront and manage their fears in a safe and controlled setting.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
SFBT is a goal-oriented and short-term psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and enhancing an individual's strengths and resources to achieve specific goals. The therapy emphasizes finding solutions rather than exploring problems, encouraging patients to envision their desired future and work towards it. SFBT is effective for various psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT is a short-term psychotherapy that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns to alleviate symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. The therapy addresses issues such as unresolved grief, role transitions, role disputes, and interpersonal deficits. IPT helps patients develop healthier relationships and improve their social functioning.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. The therapy involves the patient recalling distressing events while simultaneously following the therapist's hand movements or other bilateral stimulation. EMDR is effective for treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions, helping patients process and integrate traumatic experiences.
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)
TFP is a psychodynamic therapy specifically designed for treating borderline personality disorder. The therapy focuses on the relationship between the patient and the therapist to understand and change the patient's problematic interpersonal behaviors and emotions. TFP helps patients gain insight into their emotional responses and develop healthier relationships.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding the unconscious processes influencing behavior and emotions. The therapy involves exploring past experiences, unresolved conflicts, and deep-seated feelings to gain insight into current psychological issues. Psychodynamic therapy is effective for treating depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and relationship problems. It helps patients achieve self-awareness and emotional growth.
Group Therapy
Group therapy involves one or more therapists working with several individuals simultaneously. The therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and learn from others facing similar issues. Group therapy is effective for a wide range of psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It promotes social interaction, emotional support, and skill development.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals confront and reduce their fear and anxiety by gradually exposing them to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner. This therapy is particularly effective for treating phobias, PTSD, and OCD. The goal is to reduce the avoidance behavior and help patients build tolerance to the anxiety-provoking stimulus.
Systematic Desensitization
Systematic desensitization is a type of exposure therapy used to treat phobias and anxiety disorders. The therapy involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared object or situation while teaching relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety. The goal is to replace the fear response with a relaxation response, helping the patient build tolerance and decrease avoidance behavior.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
MBCT combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness strategies to help individuals manage their thoughts and emotions. The therapy aims to prevent the recurrence of depression and reduce anxiety by teaching patients to stay present in the moment and develop a non-judgmental attitude towards their thoughts and feelings. MBCT is effective for treating depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling that helps family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. The therapy involves multiple family members and aims to address specific issues affecting the family unit, such as marital problems, parent-child conflicts, or the impact of mental illness on the family. Family therapy can be beneficial for improving relationships and supporting individual family members.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help individuals accept their reality and change destructive thought and behavior patterns through emotional regulation. DBT was specifically developed for patients with borderline personality disorder but is also effective for other emotional and behavioral problems. Treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, and phone coaching, focusing on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
虛擬現實療法 (VRT)
VRT 使用虛擬現實技術創建沉浸式和受控的治療環境。這種療法對治療焦慮症、創傷後壓力症和恐懼症特別有效。通過將患者暴露於焦慮情境的虛擬模擬中,VRT 幫助他們在安全和受控的環境中面對和管理恐懼。
解決導向簡短治療 (SFBT)
SFBT 是一種目標導向的短期心理治療,強調識別和增強個體的優勢和資源以實現特定目標。治療強調尋找解決方案而非探討問題,鼓勵患者設想他們期望的未來並為之努力。SFBT 對各種心理問題有效,包括抑鬱症、焦慮症和關係問題。
人際心理治療 (IPT)
人際心理治療是一種短期心理治療,旨在通過改善人際關係和溝通模式來減輕抑鬱症和其他情緒障礙的症狀。治療涉及解決未解的悲傷、角色轉換、角色爭端和人際缺陷。IPT 幫助患者建立更健康的人際關係並改善其社會功能。
眼動脫敏再處理療法 (EMDR)
EMDR 是一種旨在緩解創傷性記憶相關痛苦的心理治療方法。治療涉及患者在回憶痛苦事件的同時,跟隨治療師的手部動作或其他雙側刺激。EMDR 對治療創傷後壓力症和其他創傷相關狀況有效,幫助患者處理和整合創傷經歷。
移情專注心理治療 (TFP)
TFP 是一種專為治療邊緣性人格障礙設計的心理動力治療。治療專注於患者與治療師之間的關係,以瞭解和改變患者的問題人際行為和情感。TFP 幫助患者瞭解其情緒反應並建立更健康的人際關係。
心理動力治療
心理動力治療專注於理解影響行為和情緒的潛意識過程。治療涉及探索過去的經歷、未解的衝突和深層情感,以瞭解當前的心理問題。心理動力治療對治療抑鬱症、焦慮症、人格障礙和關係問題有效,幫助患者實現自我意識和情感成長。
團體治療
團體治療涉及一個或多個治療師同時與多個個體一起工作。治療提供了一個支持的環境,讓個人可以分享經歷並向面對類似問題的其他人學習。團體治療對廣泛的心理障礙有效,包括抑鬱症、焦慮症和物質濫用。它促進社交互動、情感支持和技能發展。
暴露療法
暴露療法是一種認知行為療法,通過逐漸將患者暴露於恐懼的對象或情境中,以控制的方式幫助他們面對和減少恐懼和焦慮。這種療法對治療恐懼症、創傷後壓力症和強迫症特別有效。目標是減少迴避行為並幫助患者建立對焦慮刺激的耐受性。
系統性脫敏療法
系統性脫敏療法是一種用於治療恐懼症和焦慮症的暴露療法。治療涉及逐漸將患者暴露於恐懼的對象或情境中,同時教導放鬆技巧以減少焦慮。目標是用放鬆反應替代恐懼反應,幫助患者建立耐受性並減少迴避行為。
正念認知療法 (MBCT)
MBCT 結合認知行為技術和正念策略,幫助個人管理其思維和情緒。該療法旨在預防抑鬱症復發並減少焦慮,通過教導患者保持當下並對其思維和感受採取不評判的態度。MBCT 對治療抑鬱症、焦慮症和壓力相關狀況有效。
家庭治療
家庭治療是一種心理諮詢,旨在幫助家庭成員改善溝通並解決衝突。治療涉及多個家庭成員,旨在解決影響家庭單位的具體問題,如婚姻問題、親子衝突或精神疾病對家庭的影響。家庭治療有助於改善關係並支持個別家庭成員。
辯證行為療法
辯證行為療法結合行為療法、認知行為療法和正念療法,幫助患者接受自己的現實和行為,通過情緒調節來改變破壞性的思考和行為模式。DBT 專門為邊緣性人格障礙患者開發,但也對其他情緒和行為問題有效。治療包括個人療程、團體治療和電話指導,重點在於情緒調節、痛苦容忍、人際關係技巧和正念。