Adult Psychiatry Glossary

A thought disorder characterized by illogical connections between ideas, resulting in speech that lacks coherent progres...

The extent to which patients take medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider.

Systematic review and documentation of all medications during care transitions to prevent errors.

Systematic assessment of a patient's psychological and cognitive functioning at a specific point in time.

A treatment approach that uses the entire social environment of a psychiatric unit as a therapeutic agent to promote hea...

Standardized psychological assessment instrument measuring personality traits and psychopathology in adults.

Standardized psychological assessment tool measuring personality characteristics and psychopathology.

Mini-Mental State Examination, a brief cognitive screening tool used to assess cognitive function and detect impairment.

Psychiatric medication used to treat mood episodes and prevent mood swings in bipolar disorders.

A systematic assessment of a patient's current psychological state and mental functioning.

A rare but potentially fatal adverse reaction to antipsychotic medications characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidit...

Physical symptoms of depression affecting basic biological functions like sleep, appetite, and energy.

An intensive, community-based treatment team that provides comprehensive services to individuals with severe mental illn...

Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, a standardized rating scale used to assess symptom severity in schizophrenia.

Intensive outpatient treatment providing hospital-level care during daytime hours while patients return home evenings.

Partial Hospitalization Program, a structured day treatment program providing intensive psychiatric care without overnig...

Nine-item self-report scale measuring depression severity based on DSM criteria.

The concurrent use of multiple medications, particularly when the number or combination may increase the risk of adverse...

Rapid, excessive, and difficult-to-interrupt speech pattern commonly associated with manic or hypomanic episodes.

Medication ordered to be given as needed based on specific symptoms or circumstances, rather than on a regular schedule.

Early warning signs or symptoms that precede the onset of a full psychiatric episode, particularly in psychotic and mood...

Early warning signs and subtle symptoms that precede a full psychiatric episode or relapse.

A neurological condition characterized by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing that are disproportionat...

A condition where cognitive impairment mimics dementia but is actually caused by psychiatric disorders, most commonly de...