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Psychological Medicine Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

serotonin syndrome

Advanced Technical IVT

Potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity, typically from drug interactions or overdoses.

Showing 25–48 of 100

DAP note

Intermediate Technical IVT

A clinical documentation format organizing information into Data, Assessment, and Plan sections, commonly used in behavi...

Document Type Full entry →

defensiveness

Intermediate Technical IVT

A psychological defense mechanism involving the unconscious protection of the ego from threatening thoughts or feelings.

Technical Term Full entry →

derealization

Intermediate Technical IVT

Altered perception where surroundings seem unreal, dreamlike, or detached from reality.

Technical Term Full entry →

dialectical behavior therapy

Advanced Technical IVT

Specialized cognitive-behavioral treatment originally developed for borderline personality disorder that emphasizes dist...

DBT
Treatment Modality Full entry →

discontinuation syndrome

Intermediate Technical IVT

Constellation of symptoms that occur when certain psychotropic medications are stopped abruptly or tapered too quickly.

Adverse Effect Full entry →

dissociative identity disorder

Intermediate Technical IVT

A complex dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities.

Technical Term Full entry →

DSM-5-TR

Intermediate Technical IVT

The text revision of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the primary diagnos...

Document Type Full entry →

dual diagnosis

Intermediate Technical IVT

The co-occurrence of a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder in the same individual, requiring integrated...

Technical Term Full entry →

dysthmia

Intermediate Technical IVT

Chronic form of depression with persistent but less severe symptoms than major depression.

Technical Term Full entry →

dystonia

Professional Technical IVT

Involuntary muscle contractions causing twisting movements or abnormal postures, often medication-related.

Technical Term Full entry →

ECT

Intermediate Technical IVT

A medical procedure using controlled electrical stimulation of the brain to treat severe psychiatric conditions.

Treatment Modality Full entry →

ego-dystonic

Advanced Technical IVT

Thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are inconsistent with one's self-image or values.

Technical Term Full entry →

euthymia

Intermediate Technical IVT

Normal, stable mood state without significant elevation or depression.

Technical Term Full entry →

extrapyramidal symptoms

Intermediate Technical IVT

Movement disorders caused by antipsychotic medications affecting the brain's motor control systems.

Adverse Effect Full entry →

flight of ideas

Intermediate Technical IVT

A symptom of mania characterized by rapid succession of thoughts with logical connections that become increasingly tenuo...

Technical Term Full entry →

formication

Professional Technical IVT

Tactile hallucination of insects crawling on or under the skin.

Technical Term Full entry →

GAF

Professional Technical IVT

Numerical scale for rating overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning.

Technical Term Full entry →

Global Assessment of Functioning

Intermediate Technical IVT

A numeric scale used to rate overall psychological, social, and occupational functioning on a continuum of mental health...

Assessment Tool Full entry →

grandiosity

Intermediate Technical IVT

Inflated self-esteem with unrealistic beliefs about one's abilities, importance, or special powers.

Technical Term Full entry →

Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression

Intermediate Technical IVT

Clinician-administered 17-item assessment measuring depression severity in adults.

Assessment Tool Full entry →

hypomania

Intermediate Technical IVT

Milder form of mania with elevated mood and increased activity not requiring hospitalization.

Technical Term Full entry →

iatrogenic

Advanced Technical IVT

Referring to symptoms, conditions, or harm caused inadvertently by medical treatment or intervention.

Technical Term Full entry →

ideas of reference

Intermediate Technical IVT

The belief that neutral environmental events have special personal significance or meaning directed at oneself.

Technical Term Full entry →

Involuntary Treatment Act

Advanced Formal IVT

Legislation governing the criteria and procedures for involuntary psychiatric commitment and treatment.

Legal Term Full entry →
Showing 25–48 of 100

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