Glossary
Anorexia Nervosa
An eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe restriction of food intake leading to dangerously low body weight.
Example:
Despite being severely underweight, Emily continued to perceive herself as overweight, a classic sign of Anorexia Nervosa.
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
A Cluster B personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, often involving deceitfulness, impulsivity, and lack of empathy.
Example:
A person who repeatedly lies, manipulates others for personal gain, and shows no remorse for their actions may have Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD)
A Cluster C personality disorder characterized by pervasive feelings of social inhibition, inadequacy, and extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation, leading to avoidance of social interaction.
Example:
Despite desiring close relationships, a person with Avoidant Personality Disorder might decline social invitations due to an overwhelming fear of being judged or rejected.
Binge Eating Disorder
An eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming unusually large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by a feeling of loss of control, and significant distress, without compensatory behaviors.
Example:
Unlike bulimia, someone with Binge Eating Disorder might eat an entire pizza alone and feel disgusted afterward, but not attempt to purge.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
A Cluster B personality disorder marked by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, along with marked impulsivity.
Example:
Rapid shifts from intense love to intense hate for the same person, coupled with impulsive self-harm, are common signs of Borderline Personality Disorder.
Bulimia Nervosa
An eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative misuse.
Example:
Mark would often eat large amounts of food in secret, then feel immense guilt and force himself to vomit, indicating Bulimia Nervosa.
Cluster A Personality Disorders
A group of personality disorders characterized by odd or eccentric behaviors, often involving social detachment and unusual thought patterns.
Example:
Someone exhibiting extreme distrust of others and social isolation might be diagnosed with a Cluster A Personality Disorder.
Cluster B Personality Disorders
A group of personality disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behaviors, often involving impulsivity and attention-seeking.
Example:
Individuals who frequently engage in risky behaviors and have intense, unstable relationships might fall under Cluster B Personality Disorders.
Cluster C Personality Disorders
A group of personality disorders characterized by anxious and fearful behaviors, often involving social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and a need for order.
Example:
Someone who avoids social situations due to intense fear of criticism or rejection might have a Cluster C Personality Disorder.
Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)
A Cluster C personality disorder characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation.
Example:
An adult who struggles to make everyday decisions without constant reassurance from others and fears being alone might have Dependent Personality Disorder.
Eating Disorders
Serious and often fatal illnesses that cause severe disturbances to a person's eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.
Example:
The therapist specialized in treating eating disorders, helping clients develop healthier relationships with food and their bodies.
Endorphins
Natural opioid neurotransmitters produced by the body that act as pain relievers and create feelings of pleasure or well-being.
Example:
The 'runner's high' is often attributed to the release of endorphins during intense physical activity.
Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)
A Cluster B personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior, often using physical appearance to draw attention.
Example:
Someone who constantly seeks to be the center of attention, often through dramatic or exaggerated displays of emotion, might have Histrionic Personality Disorder.
Hypothalamus
A small but vital part of the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions, including hunger, thirst, and body temperature.
Example:
Damage to the hypothalamus can disrupt a person's ability to regulate their appetite, potentially contributing to conditions like binge eating disorder.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
A Cluster B personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
Example:
A CEO who believes they are uniquely talented and deserves special treatment, while dismissing the feelings of their employees, could exhibit Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between neurons, influencing mood, behavior, and various bodily functions.
Example:
Drugs can mimic natural neurotransmitters, tricking the brain into altering its own chemical production.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
A Cluster C personality disorder characterized by a pervasive preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control, at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.
Example:
Unlike OCD, someone with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder might spend hours organizing their desk to achieve perfect symmetry, not because of intrusive thoughts, but due to a rigid need for control and perfection.
Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)
A Cluster A personality disorder marked by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others, interpreting their motives as malevolent.
Example:
Even when offered help, a person with Paranoid Personality Disorder might suspect ulterior motives and refuse assistance.
Personality Disorders
Inflexible and enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate significantly from cultural expectations, cause distress or impairment, and are stable over time.
Example:
Individuals with personality disorders often struggle with interpersonal relationships due to their rigid and maladaptive behavioral patterns.
Schizoid Personality Disorder
A Cluster A personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression.
Example:
Someone who consistently chooses solitary activities and shows little interest in forming close bonds might have Schizoid Personality Disorder.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
A Cluster A personality disorder involving eccentricities of behavior, odd beliefs or magical thinking, and discomfort with close relationships.
Example:
Believing they can communicate telepathically with animals, alongside social anxiety, could be indicative of Schizotypal Personality Disorder.
Substance Use Disorder
A condition characterized by a chemical dependency on a substance, leading to significant impairment or distress due to its use.
Example:
After years of heavy drinking, John developed a substance use disorder, experiencing intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms if he tried to stop.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Unpleasant physical and psychological effects that occur when a person stops or reduces the use of a substance they are dependent on.
Example:
When Sarah tried to quit smoking, she experienced severe withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and headaches.