A Advanced sleep phase type type of
circadian rhythm sleepwake disorder, new
Abnormal behavior a psychological
dysfunction within an individual that is
associated with distress or impairment in
functioning and a response that is not
typical or culturally expected
Acetylcholine neurotransmitter,
pervasive throughout the nervous system,
that contributes to movement, attention,
arousal, and memory. (A deficiency of
acetylcholine is found in people with
Alzheimers disease)
Actigraph small electronic device that is
worn on the wrist like a watch and records
body movements; this device can be used
to record sleepwake cycles.
Acute onset sudden beginning of a
disease or disorder
Acute pain pain that typically follows an
injury and disappears once the injury heals
or is effectively treated.
Acute stress disorder severe reaction
immediately following a terrifying event,
often including amnesia about the event,
emotional numbing, and derealization for a
month.
Addiction informal term for substance
dependence.
Adoption studies in genetics research,
the study of first-degree relatives reared in
different families and environments. If they
share common characteristics, such as a
disorder, this finding suggests that those
characteristics have a genetic component.
to DSM-5, involving a persistent pattern of
early sleep onset and awakening times.
Affect conscious, subjective aspect of an
emotion that accompanies an action at a
given time.
Age of onset persons age when
developing or exhibiting symptoms of a
disease or condition
Agnosia inability to recognize and name
objects; may be a symptom of major
neurocognitive disorder or other brain
disorders.
Agonist chemical substance that
effectively increases the activity of a
neurotransmitter by imitating its effects.
Agonist substitution replacement of a
drug on which a person is dependent with
one that has a similar chemical makeup, an
agonist; used as a treatment for substance
dependence
Agoraphobia anxiety disorder
characterized by anxiety about being in
places or situations from which escape
might be difficult in the event of panic
symptoms or other unpleasant physical
symptoms (e.g., incontinence).
Agreeableness one of the dimensions
of the five factor model of personality and
individual differences, involving being warm,
kind, and trusting as opposed to hostile,
selfish, and mistrustful.
AIDS-related complex (ARC) group of
minor health problems such as weight loss,
fever, and night sweats that appears after
HIV infection but before development of full-
blown AIDS.
Akinesia Extrapyramidal symptom
involving slow motor activity, an
expressionless face, and emotionless
speech
Alcohol by-product of the fermentation of
yeasts, sugar, and water; the most
commonly used and abused depressant
substance.
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)
enzyme that helps humans metabolizes
alcohol. Different levels of its subtypes may
account for different susceptibilities to
disorders such as fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alcohol-related disorders cognitive,
biological, behavioral, and social problems
associated with alcohol use and abuse.
Alogia deficiency in the amount or
content of speech, a disturbance often seen
in people with schizophrenia
Alpha adrenergic receptors group of
nervous system receptors stimulated by the
neurotransmitter norepinephrine.
Alpha waves regular pattern of brain-
wave voltage changes typical of calm
relaxation
Alters shorthand term for alter egos, the
different personalities or identities in
dissociative identity disorder.
Altruistic suicide formalized suicide
approved of and even expected by some
cultures.
Alzheimers disease strange disease
of the cerebral cortex that causes an
atypical form of senile dementia, discovered
in 1906 by German psychiatrist Alois
Alzheimer.
Amnestic disorder deterioration in the
ability to transfer information from short- to
long-term memory, in the absence of other
symptoms of major neurocognitive disorder,
as a result of head trauma or drug abuse
Amniocentesis prenatal medical
procedure that allows the detection of
abnormalities (for example, Down
syndrome) in the developing fetus. It
involves removal and analysis of amniotic
fluid from the mother.
Amok one of several running disorders
seen in non-Western cultures as in running
amok in which individuals enter a trancelike
state and may commit violent acts. Later,
they will have amnesia about the episode.
Amphetamine Stimulant medication
used to treat hypersomnia by keeping the
person awake during the day, and to treat
narcolepsy, including sudden onset
episodes, by suppressing rapid eye
movement sleep.
Amphetamine use disorders
psychological, biological, behavioral, and
social problems associated with
amphetamine use and abuse.
Amygdala part of the brains limbic
system that regulates emotions and the
ability to learn and control impulses; figures
prominently in some psychopathology.
Amyloid plaque clusters of dead
neurons found during autopsy in the brains
of people with Alzheimers disease; also
known as neuritic or senile plaque
Amyloid precursor protein large
protein, controlled by a gene on
chromosome 21, that breaks down to
contribute to the amyloid plaque
characteristic of people with Alzheimers
disease.
Amyloid protein solid, waxy substance
forming the core of the amyloid plaque
characteristic of people with Alzheimers
disease
Analgesic rebound headache
headache, more severe than the original
one, that occurs after the medication used
to treat headache pain has worn off.
Analog model approach to research
that employs subjects who are similar to
clinical clients, allowing replication of a
clinical problem under controlled conditions.
Anandamide neurochemical that seems
to be a naturally occurring version of the
active chemical in marijuana
Angina pectoris chest pain caused by
partial blockage of the arteries that supply
blood to the heart
Anhedonia inability to experience
pleasure, associated with some mood and
schizophrenic disorders.
Animal phobia unreasonable, enduring
fear of animals or insects that usually
develops early in life
Anomic suicide suicide motivated by
loss and confusion caused by a major life
disruption.
Anorexia Nervosa eating disorder
characterized by recurrent food refusal,
leading to dangerously low body weight.
Antagonist a chemical substance that
decreases or blocks the effects of a
neurotransmitter.
Antibodies highly specific molecules
called immunoglobulins produced by B cells
to combine with and neutralize antigens.
Antigens foreign materials that enter the
body, including bacteria and parasites.
Antisocial personality disorder
involving a pervasive pattern of disregard
for and violation of the rights of others
Anxiety Mood state characterized by
marked negative affect and bodily
symptoms of tension in which a person
apprehensively anticipates future danger or
misfortune. Anxiety may involve feelings,
behaviors, and physiological responses.
Anxiety Disorders Interview
Schedule-IV (ADIS-IV) specialized,
structured interview protocol to assess
anxiety and related disorders.
Anxiety and Related Disorders
Interview Schedule for DSM-5 (ADIS-
5) specialized semi-structured clinical
interview for assessing DSM-5 anxiety and
related disorders
Aphasia impairment or loss of language
skills resulting from brain damage caused
by stroke, Alzheimers disease, or other
illness or trauma.
Apolipoprotein E (apo E) protein
involved in the transport of cholesterol; high
concentration of one subtype, controlled by
a gene on chromosome 19, is associated
with Alzheimers disease.
Arrhythmia irregular heartbeat.
Aspergers disorder pervasive
developmental disorder characterized by
impairments in social relationships and
restricted or unusual behaviors, but without
the language delays seen in autism
spectrum disorder
Assertiveness training instruction in
which individuals learn to cope with stress
by rehearsing ways to protect their time and
personal rights in appropriate ways to avoid
being exploited and feeling used. For
example, caregivers of people with
Alzheimers disease learn assertiveness to
prevent them from resorting to abuse in
frustration.
Assessment gender bias possibility
that gender differences in the reported
prevalence or diagnosis of certain
diagnostic categories may be the result of
prejudice in the assessment measures or
the ways they are used.
Association studies research
strategies for comparing genetic markers in
groups of people with and without a
particular disorder
Associative splitting separation
among basic functions of human personality
(for example, cognition, emotion, and
perception) seen by some as the defining
characteristic of schizophrenia.
Asylum safe refuge; specifically, an
institution to house mentally disordered
people.
Atherosclerosis process by which a
fatty substance or plaque builds up inside
arteries to form obstructions.
Attachment disorders developmentally
inappropriate behaviors in which a child is
unable or unwilling to form normal
attachment relationships with caregiving
adults.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) developmental
disorder featuring maladaptive levels of
inattention, excessive activity, and
impulsiveness.
Attenuated psychosis syndrome
disorder involving the onset of psychotic
symptoms such as hallucinations and
delusions, which puts a person at high risk
for schizophrenia; designated for further
study by DSM-5
Auditory hallucinations psychotic
disturbance in perception in which a person
hears sounds or voices although these are
not real or actually present. The voices are
often critical, accusatory, or demanding.
Augmentative communication
strategies pictures or computer aids to
assist people with communication deficits
so that they can communicate
Autoimmune disease condition in
which the bodys immune system attacks
healthy tissue rather than antigens
Autonomic nervous system part of
the peripheral nervous system that
regulates cardiovascular (heart and blood
vessel), endocrine (hormone), and digestive
functions; includes the sympathetic and
parasympathetic nervous systems
Autonomic restrictors term for people
with generalized anxiety disorder because
they show lower heart rate, blood pressure,
skin conductance, and respiration rate
activity than do people with other anxiety
disorders.
Avoidant personality disorder cluster
C (anxious or fearful) personality disorder
featuring a pervasive pattern of social
inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and
hypersensitivity to criticism
Avolition apathy, or the inability to
initiate or persist in important activities
Axes dimensions previously used to
collect information for DSM-IV-TR diagnosis
protocols
Axon nerve cell branches that transmit
outgoing electrochemical impulses to other
neurons.
B (rather than inferring) the clients thoughts,
B cells special type of white blood cells
produced in bone marrow. They release into
the humoral branch of the immune system
molecules that circulate in the blood to
seek, identify, and neutralize antigens.
Barbiturates sedative (and addictive)
drugs including Amytal, Seconal, and
Nembutal that are used as sleep aids
Bariatric surgery surgical approach to
extreme obesity, usually accomplished by
stapling the stomach to create a small
stomach pouch or bypassing the stomach
through gastric bypass surgery
Basal ganglia brain area at the base of
the forebrain that seems to control motor
behavior and to be involved in obsessive-
compulsive disorder
Baseline measured rate of a behavior
before introduction of an intervention that
allows comparison and assessment of the
effects of the intervention.
Behavior rating scales structured
assessment instruments used before and
during treatment to evaluate the frequency
and severity of specific behaviors.
Behavior therapy array of therapy
methods based on the principles of
behavioral and cognitive science, as well as
principles of learning as applied to clinical
problems. It considers specific behaviors
rather than inferred conflicts as legitimate
targets for change.
Behavioral assessment measuring,
observing, and systematically evaluating
feelings, and behavior in the actual problem
situation or context
Behavioral inhibition system (BIS)
brain circuit in the limbic system that
responds to threat signals by inhibiting
activity and causing anxiety.
Behavioral medicine interdisciplinary
approach applying behavioral science to the
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of
medical problems
Behavioral model explanation of
human behavior, including dysfunction,
based on principles of learning and
adaptation derived from experimental
psychology.
Behavioral rehearsal Behavior
therapy technique in which the client
practices coping with troublesome or
anxiety-arousing situations in a safe and
supervised situation.
Behaviorism explanation of human
behavior, including dysfunction, based on
principles of learning and adaptation derived
from experimental psychology.
Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test
neuropsychological test for children in which
they copy a variety of lines and shapes.
Benzodiazepines antianxiety drugs
including Valium, Xanax, Dalmane, and
Halcion also used to treat insomnia.
Effective against anxiety (and, at high
potency, panic disorder), they show some
side effects, such as some cognitive and
motor impairment, and may result in
substance dependence.
Binge relatively brief episode of
uncontrolled, excessive consumption,
usually of food or alcohol.
Binge-eating disorder (BED) pattern
of eating involving distress-inducing binges
not followed by purging behaviors
Biofeedback use of physiological
monitoring equipment to make individuals
aware of their own bodily functions, such as
blood pressure or brain waves that they
cannot normally access, with the purpose of
controlling these functions
Biological model explanation of
psychological dysfunction that primarily
emphasizes brain disorder or illness as the
cause
Bipolar I disorder alternation of major
depressive episodes with full manic
episodes.
Bipolar II disorder alternation of major
depressive episodes with hypomanic
episodes (not full manic episodes)
Bisexuality attraction to both same- and
opposite sex sexual partners.
Black box concept of the inner workings
of the organism, such as thoughts and
feelings that cannot be observed directly
Blind sight phenomenon in which a
person is able to perform visual functions
while having no awareness or memory of
these abilities; also called unconscious
vision
Bloodinjectioninjury phobia
unreasonable fear and avoidance of
exposure to blood, injury, or the possibility
of an injection
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
disorder featuring a disruptive
preoccupation with some imagined defect in
appearance (imagined ugliness)
Borderline personality disorder
personality disorder involving a pervasive
pattern of instability of interpersonal
relationships, self-image, affects, and
control over impulses.
Bradykinesia slowed body movements,
as occur in Parkinsons disease.
Brain circuits Neurotransmitter
currents or neural pathways in the brain.
Brain stem ancient lower part of the
brain responsible for many life-sustaining
automatic functions, such as breathing and
coordinated movement
Breathalyzer test measure of alcohol
intoxication that uses a breath sample
because some consumed alcohol is
vaporized in the lungs and exhaled
Breathing-related sleep disorders
sleep disruption leading to excessive
sleepiness or insomnia, caused by a
breathing problem such as interrupted
(sleep apnea) or labored (hypoventilation)
breathing.
Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
behavior rating scale used to assess the
severity of patient problem areas, such as
guilt feelings and preoccupation with health.
Brief psychotic disorder psychotic
disturbance involving delusions,
hallucinations, or disorganized speech or
behavior but lasting less than 1 month; often
occurs in reaction to a stressor.
Briquets syndrome obsolete term for
somatic symptom disorder (previously
known as somatization disorder)
Bulimia nervosa eating disorder
involving recurrent episodes of uncontrolled
excessive binge eating followed by
compensatory actions to remove the food
C
Caffeine use disorders cognitive,
biological, behavioral, and social problems
associated with the use and abuse of
caffeine.
Cancer category of often-fatal medical
conditions involving abnormal cell growth
and malignancy
Cannabinoids family of chemicals in
marijuana believed to be responsible for its
mood- and behavior-altering ability.
Cardiovascular disease afflictions in
the mechanisms, including the heart, blood
vessels, and their controllers, responsible
for transporting blood to the bodys tissues
and organs
Cardiovascular system heart, blood
vessels, and their controlling mechanisms,
all of which transport blood and nutrients to
the tissues of the body
Case study method research
procedure in which a single person or small
group is studied in detail. The method does
not allow conclusions about cause-and-
effect relationships, and findings can be
generalized only with great caution
Castration anxiety in psychoanalysis,
the fear in young boys that they will be
mutilated genitally because of their lust for
their mothers
Catalepsy motor movement disturbance
seen in people with some psychoses and
mood disorders in which body postures are
waxy and can be sculpted to remain fixed
for long periods.
Cataplexy sudden loss of muscle tone
that accompanies narcolepsy.
Catatonia disorder of movement
involving immobility or excited agitation.
Sometimes accompanies psychotic
disorders or mood disorders.
Catatonic immobility disturbance of
motor behavior in which the person remains
motionless, sometimes in an awkward
posture, for extended periods.
Catharsis rapid or sudden release of
emotional tension thought to be an
important factor in psychoanalytic therapy.
Caudate nucleus brain structure; part
of the basal ganglia that controls motor
behavior and is implicated in obsessive-
compulsive disorder
Cellular branch branch of the immune
system using specialized cells to protect the
body cells against viral and parasite
infections.
Central nervous system brain and
spinal cord
Central sleep apnea brief periods of
cessation in respiratory activity during sleep
that may be associated with central nervous
system disorders.
Cerebellum part of the hindbrain in the
brain stem that controls motor coordination
and may be involved in autism spectrum
disorder.
Cerebral cortex largest part of the
forebrain, divided into two hemispheres;
responsible for human functions such as
perceiving, reasoning, planning, creating,
and remembering
Chemical imbalance relative excess or
deficit in brain chemicals, such as
neurotransmitters, that may be implicated in
some psychological disorders.
Childhood disintegrative disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder
involving severe regression in language,
adaptive behavior, and motor skills after a
2- to 4-year period of normal development
Choking phobia fear and avoidance of
swallowing pills, foods, and fluids, which
may lead to significant weight loss; also
known as hypersensitive gag reflex or
globus hystericus
Chorea motor problems characterized by
involuntary limb movements.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) a
genetic test conducted during early
pregnancy that samples cells found in the
placenta (chorionic villi) and assesses
possible genetic or chromosomal problems
in the fetus.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
incapacitating exhaustion following only
minimal exertion, accompanied by fever,
headaches, muscle and joint pain,
depression, and anxiety.
Chronic pain enduring pain that does
not decrease over time; may occur in
muscles, joints, and the lower back, and
may be caused by enlarged blood vessels
or degenerating or cancerous tissue. Other
significant factors are social and
psychological.
Chronic stage final of E. Morton
Jellineks four stages identified in the
progression of alcoholism, where the
individuals primary daily activities revolve
around obtaining and drinking alcohol
Chronological age persons age in
calendar years
Civil commitment laws legal
proceedings that determine a person is
mentally disordered and may be
hospitalized, even involuntarily.
Classical categorical approach
classification method founded on the
assumption of clear cut differences among
disorders, each with a different known
cause.
Classical conditioning fundamental
learning process first described by Ivan
Pavlov. An event that automatically elicits a
response is paired with another stimulus
event that does not (a neutral stimulus).
After repeated pairings, the neutral stimulus
becomes a conditioned stimulus that by
itself can elicit the desired response.
Classification assignment of objects or
people to categories on the basis of shared
characteristics.
Clinical assessment systematic
evaluation and measurement of
psychological, biological, and social factors
in a person presenting with a possible
psychological disorder
Clinical description details of the
combination of behaviors, thoughts, and
feelings of an individual that make up a
particular disorder.
Clinical efficacy axis one of a
proposed set of guidelines for evaluating
clinical interventions on the evidence of their
effectiveness
Clinical psychologist person who has
earned a Ph.D. or related degree (for
example, Psy.D.) in psychology and is
trained to conduct research into the causes
and treatment of severe psychological
disorders, as well as to diagnose, assess,
and treat them.
Clinical significance degree to which
research findings have useful and
meaningful applications to real problems
Clinical utility axis one of a proposed
set of guidelines for evaluating clinical
interventions by whether they can be
applied effectively and cost effectively in
real clinical settings
Clonidine medical treatment for
hypertension that is often used to reduce
the negative symptoms of withdrawal from
opiates.

Clozapine a medication for
schizophrenia (trade name Clozaril), a weak
dopamine antagonist that seems effective in
some previously untreatable cases and with
fewer serious side effects.
Cocaine derivative of coca leaves used
medically as a local anesthetic and narcotic;
often a substance of abuse.
Codeine Opiate a mild, medical narcotic
derived from morphine.
Cognitive relaxation use of meditation
or imagery to combat anxiety that may
result from sleeplessness
Cognitive restructuring Cognitive
therapy procedure used to change
negative or unrealistic thoughts or
attributions.
Cognitive science field of study that
examines how humans and other animals
acquire, process, store, and retrieve
information.
Cognitive therapy treatment approach
that involves identifying and altering
negative thinking styles related to
psychological disorders such as depression
and anxiety and replacing them with more
positive beliefs and attitudes and, ultimately,
more adaptive behavior and coping styles.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT)
group of treatment procedures aimed at
identifying and modifying faulty thought
processes, attitudes and attributions, and
problem behaviors
Cohort participants in each age group of
a study with a cross-sectional design.
Cohort effect observation that people of
different age groups differ in their values
and experiences
Collective unconscious accumulated
wisdom of a culture collected and
remembered across generations, a
psychodynamic concept introduced by Carl
Jung.
Communication disorders problems
in transmitting or conveying information
Community intervention approach to
treating and preventing disorders by
directing action at the organizational,
agency, and community levels rather than at
individuals.
Comorbidity presence of two or more
disorders in an individual at the same time.
Comparative treatment research
Outcome research that contrasts two or
more treatment methods to determine which
is most effective.
Competence ability of legal defendants
to participate in their own defense and
understand the charges and the roles of the
trial participants.
Complicated grief grief characterized
by debilitating feelings of loss and emotions
so painful that a person has trouble
resuming a normal life
Comprehensive System standardized
system of administering and scoring the
Rorschach inkblot test that seeks to improve
its reliability and validity.
Compulsions repetitive, ritualistic, time-
consuming behaviors or mental acts a
person feels driven to perform to suppress
obsessions.
Computerized axial tomography
(CAT) scan (CT scan) noninvasive
imaging procedure useful in identifying
abnormalities in the structure or shape of
the brain.
Concurrent (descriptive) validity
condition of testing in which the results from
one test correspond to the results of other
measures of the same phenomenon
Conditioned response (CR) learned
reaction, similar to the unconditioned
response, elicited by a conditioned stimulus
following classical conditioning
Conditioned stimulus (CS)
environmental event that acquires the ability
to elicit a learned response as a result of
classical conditioning associated with an
unconditioned stimulus.
Conditioning process by which
behaviors can be learned or modified
through interaction with the environment.
Confound any factor occurring in a study
that makes the results uninterpretable
because its effects cannot be separated
from those of the variables being studied.
Confounding variable variable in a
research study that was not part of the
intended design and that may contribute to
changes in the dependent variable.
Conscientiousness one of the
dimensions of the five-factor model of
personality and individual differences
involving being organized, thorough, and
reliable as opposed to careless, negligent,
and unreliable.
Construct validity degree to which
signs and symptoms used to categorize a
disorder relate to one another while differing
from those for other disorders.
Content validity degree to which the
characteristics of a disorder are a true
sample of the phenomenon in question
Contingency management
encouragement of reinforcers to promote
and maintain desired behaviors and
removal of those reinforcers that maintain
undesired behaviors.
Control group group of individuals in a
study who are similar to the experimental
subjects in every way but are not exposed
to the treatment received by the
experimental group.
Controlled drinking an extremely
controversial treatment approach to alcohol
dependence, in which severe abusers are
taught to drink in moderation.
Conversion disorder (functional
neurological symptom disorder)
physical malfunctioning, such as blindness
or paralysis, suggesting neurological
impairment but with no organic pathology to
account for it.
Conversion hysteria obsolete term for
conversion disorder derived from the
Freudian notion that physical symptoms
represented a conversion of unconscious
conflicts into a more acceptable form.
Copy number variants genes that are
deleted as a result of mutations; these
deletions may play a role in the
development of ADHD and other disorders.
Coronary heart disease (CHD)
blockage of the arteries supplying blood to
the heart muscle; a major cause of death in
Western culture, with social and
psychological factors involved
Correlation degree to which two
variables are associated. In a positive
correlation, the two variables increase or
decrease together. In a negative
correlation, one variable decreases as the
other increases.
Correlation coefficient computed
statistic reflecting the strength and direction
of any association between two variables. It
can range from 21.00 through 0.00
(indicating no association) to 11.00, with the
absolute value indicating the strength and
the sign reflecting the direction.
Correlational study research
procedure in which variables are measured
and compared to detect any association but
are not manipulated. Conclusions about
cause-and-effect relationships are not
permissible.
Corticosteroids Hormones including
cortisol, released by the adrenal gland in
response to stressors to activate and, later,
to turn off the bodys stress response. Also
called stress hormones.
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)
neuromodulator hormone secreted into
the blood by the hypothalamus; it stimulates
the pituitary gland as part of a reaction
chain called the stress response. It may be
implicated in mood disorders, as well as
physical problems.
Cortisol Stress hormone
(corticosteroid) secreted by the cortex
of the adrenal glands as part of the stress
response
Counseling psychologist person who
has earned a Ph.D. or related degree in
psychology and is trained to study and treat
adjustment and vocational issues in
relatively healthy people.
Countertransference psychoanalytic
concept involving personal issues the
therapist brings to professional relationships
with clients.
Course pattern of development and
change of a disorder over time.
Course modifiers patterns of
development in a disorder that help predict
its future course.
Covert sensitization cognitive-
behavioral intervention to reduce unwanted
behaviors by having clients imagine the
extremely aversive consequences of the
behaviors and establish negative rather
than positive associations with them.
Crack Cocaine in a highly potent, solid,
rocklike form.
Crack babies infants who were exposed
to cocaine prenatally because of their
mothers use. Their characteristic irritability
and high-pitched crying may be caused by
abuse or neglect, in addition
to the cocaine itself.
CreutzfeldtJakob disease extremely
rare type of prion disease that may result
from a number of sources, including the
consumption of beef from cattle with mad
cow disease
Criminal commitment legal procedure
by which a person found not guilty of a
crime by reason of insanity must be
confined in a psychiatric hospital.
Criterion gender bias possibility that
gender differences in the reported
prevalence or diagnosis of certain
diagnostic categories may be the result of
prejudice in the defining criteria for the
disorder.
Criterion validity extent to which
categorization accurately predicts the future
course of a disorder, whether treated or
untreated.
Cross-generational effect limit on the
generalizability of longitudinal research
because the group under study may differ
from others in culture and experience
Cross-sectional design methodology
to examine a characteristic by comparing
individuals of different ages
Cross-tolerance condition in which a
person may replace addiction to one drug
with addiction to another when the two
drugs have similar chemical makeup and
act on the same neurotransmitter receptors.
Crucial stage third of four of E. Morton
Jellineks stages identified in the
progression of alcoholism, involving a loss
of control of drinking and occasional binges
of heavy drinking
Cyclothymic disorder chronic (at least
2 years) mood disorder characterized by
alternating mood elevation and depression
levels that are not as severe as manic or
major depressive episodes
D
Dangerousness tendency to violence
that, contrary to popular opinion, is not more
likely among mental patients.
Deep sleep sleep stage characterized by
slow brain-wave (delta wave) patterns; a
person in deep sleep is difficult to rouse and
slow to become alert.
Defense mechanisms common
patterns of behavior, often adaptive coping
styles when they occur in moderation,
observed in response to particular
situations. In psychoanalysis, these are
thought to be unconscious processes
originating in the ego.
Deinstitutionalization systematic
removal of people with severe mental illness
or intellectual disability from institutions like
psychiatric hospitals.
Delayed ejaculation disorder in which
a man achieves orgasm only with great
difficulty.
Delayed sleep phase type persistent
pattern of late sleep onset and awakening
time.
Delirium rapid-onset reduced clarity of
consciousness and cognition, with
confusion, disorientation, and deficits in
memory and language.
Delta waves relatively slow and irregular
pattern of brain waves typical of the
deepest, most relaxed stage of sleep, this is
the time when sleeping panic attacks may
occur; also known as slow wave sleep.
Delusion Psychotic symptom
involving disorder of thought content and
presence of strong beliefs that are
misrepresentations of reality.
Delusion of grandeur peoples
unfounded belief that they are more famous
or important than is true
Delusion of persecution peoples
unfounded belief that others seek to harm
them
Delusional disorder psychotic disorder
featuring a persistent belief contrary to
reality (delusion) but no other symptoms of
schizophrenia
Dmence prcoce french-language
form of dementia praecox
Dementia obsolete term for major
neurocognitive disorder.
Dementia praecox Latin term meaning
premature loss of mind, an early label for
what is now called schizophrenia,
emphasizing the disorders frequent
appearance during adolescence.
Dendrite nerve cell branches that
receive incoming electrochemical
information for transmission along the
neuron.
Dependent personality disorder
characterized by a persons pervasive and
excessive need to be taken care of, a
condition that leads to submissive and
clinging behavior and fears of separation.
Dependent variable in an experimental
study, the phenomenon that is measured
and expected to be influenced
Depersonalization altering of
perception that causes people to
temporarily lose a sense of their own reality;
most prevalent in people with the
dissociative disorders. There is often a
feeling of being outside observers of their
own behavior.
Depersonalization/derealization
disorder dissociative disorder in which
feelings of depersonalization are so severe
they dominate the clients life and prevent
normal functioning.
Depressants psychoactive substances
that result in behavioral sedation, including
alcohol and the sedative, hypnotic, and
anxiolytic drugs
Depressive cognitive triad thinking
errors in depressed people negatively
focused in three areas: themselves, their
immediate world, and their future.
Depressive stupor (catatonic situation, as well as helping the client
depressive episode) rare but severe regulate emotions and cope with stressors
depressive episode experienced by that might trigger suicidal behavior.
someone with a mood disorder, featuring,
usually, substantial reduction in Diastolic blood pressure blood
spontaneous motor movement or, pressure level when the heart is at rest or
occasionally, agitation or odd mannerisms. between heartbeats

Derealization situation in which the Diathesisstress model hypothesis

individual loses a sense of the reality of the
external world.
Desire phase first stage of sexual
activity, when sexual urges, thoughts, or
fantasies occur, either in reaction to or even
in the absence of a stimulating cue
Developmental psychology study of
changes in behavior that occur over time
Developmental psychopathology
study of changes in abnormal behavior that
occur over time
Deviation IQ intelligence test score that
estimates how much a childs school
performance will deviate from the average
performance of others of the same age.
that both an inherited tendency and specific
stressful conditions are required to produce
a disorder
Dimensional approach method of
categorizing characteristics on a continuum
rather than on a binary, either-or, or all-or-
none basis
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) natural
hallucinogen from the bark of trees that
grow in Central and South America.
Diminished capacity evidence of an
abnormal mental condition in people that
causes criminal charges against them
requiring intent or knowledge to be reduced
to lesser offenses requiring only reckless or
criminal neglect

Dexamethasone suppression test Directionality possibility that when two

(DST) proposed biological test for variables, A and B, are correlated variable A
depression. The test failed to discriminate causes variable B or variable B causes
depression from other disorders. variable A.

Diagnosis process of determining Discrimination training arrangement

whether a presenting problem meets the of experiences in which the person or
established criteria for a specific animal learns to respond under certain
psychological disorder conditions and not to respond under other
. conditions
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
promising treatment for borderline Disinhibited social engagement
personality disorder that involves exposing disorder condition in which a child
the client to stressors in a controlled
shows no inhibitions whatsoever in
approaching adults
Disorganized speech style of talking
often seen in people with schizophrenia,
involving incoherence and a lack of typical
logic patterns
Displacement Defense mechanism
in which a person directs a problem impulse
toward a safe substitute
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation
Disorder condition in which a child has
chronic negative moods such as anger and
irritability without any accompanying mania
Dissociation detachment or loss of
integration between identity or reality and
consciousness.
Dissociative amnesia Dissociative
disorder featuring the inability to recall
personal information, usually of a stressful
or traumatic nature
Dissociative disorder disorder in
which individuals feel detached from
themselves or their surroundings and
reality, experience, and identity may
disintegrate
Dissociative fugue type of dissociative
amnesia featuring sudden, unexpected
travel away from home, along with an
inability to recall the past, sometimes with
assumption of a new identity.
Dissociative identity disorder (DID)
a disorder in which as many as 100
personalities or fragments of personalities
coexist within one body and mind.
Dissociative trance altered state of
consciousness in which people firmly
believe they are possessed by spirits;
considered a disorder only where there is
distress and dysfunction.
Disulfiram chemical used as an aversion
treatment for heavy drinking because it
causes a buildup in the body of an alcohol
by-product, making the person vomit after
drinking; also known as Antabuse.
Dominant gene one gene of any pair of
genes that determines a particular trait
Dopamine Neurotransmitter whose
generalized function is to activate other
neurotransmitters and to aid in exploratory
and pleasure seeking behaviors (thus
balancing serotonin); a relative excess of
dopamine is implicated in schizophrenia and
its deficit is involved in Parkinsons disease.
Dopaminergic system parts of the
nervous system activated by the
neurotransmitter dopamine; involved in
many functions, including the experience of
reward.
Double bind communication the
practice of transmitting conflicting messages
that was thought to cause schizophrenia
Double depression typified by major
depressive episodes superimposed over a
background of persistent dysthymic mood;
also called Persistent depressive disorder
with intermittent major depressive
episodes.
Double-blind control procedure in
outcome studies that prevents bias by
ensuring that neither the subjects nor the
providers of the experimental treatment
know who is receiving treatment and who is
receiving placebo.
Down syndrome caused by a
chromosomal aberration (chromosome 21)
and involving characteristic physical
appearance; sometimes known as trisomy
21
Dream analysis psychoanalytic therapy
method in which dream contents are
examined as symbolic of id impulses and
intrapsychic conflicts.
Duty to warn mental health
professionals responsibility to break
confidentiality and notify the potential victim
whom a client has specifically threatened.
Dysfunctional attitudes cognitive
errors seen in depressed individuals, who
may automatically assume the worst, draw
negative conclusions arbitrarily, and treat
minor problems as major ones.
Dyslexia learning disability involving
problems in reading.
Dyssomnias problems in getting to
sleep or in obtaining sufficient quality sleep.
E Electrocardiogram
Early onset neurocognitive disorder
a relatively rare form of neurocognitive
disorder where symptoms of memory loss
and other cognitive impairments occur
relatively early in life, when one is in their
40s or 50s
Echolalia repetition or echoing of the
speech of others, a normal intermediate
step in the development of speech skills.
Echopraxia the involuntary imitation of
the movement of another person.
Effect size statistical measure that
shows the amount of difference among the
members of a group in a clinical study
Ego in psychoanalysis, the psychical
entity responsible for finding realistic and
practical ways to satisfy id drives.
Ego psychology derived from
psychoanalysis, this theory emphasizes the
role of the ego in development and
attributes psychological disorders to failure
of the ego to manage impulses and internal
conflicts; also known as self-psychology.
Egoistic suicide suicide that occurs in
the context of diminished social supports, as
in the case of some elderly people who
have lost friends and family contacts
Electra complex in psychoanalysis, a
young girls intrapsychic desire to replace
her mother, possess her father, and acquire
a penis; the resolution of this complex result
in development of the superego
measure of
electrical activity generated by heart muscle
exertion used to detect and evaluate heart
diseases.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
biological treatment for severe, chronic
depression involving the application of
electrical impulses through the brain to
produce seizures

Electroencephalogram (EEG)
measure of electrical activity patterns in the
brain, taken through electrodes placed on
the scalp.
Electromyogram (EMG) measure of
muscle movement.
Electrooculogram (EOG) measure of
eye muscle movement particularly relevant
to detecting dream stages during sleep.
Emotion pattern of action elicited by an
external event and a feeling state,
accompanied by a characteristic
physiological response.
Emotion contagion situation in which
an emotional reaction spreads from one
individual to others nearby
Emotional stability one of the
dimensions of the five-factor model of
personality and individual differences,
involving being even tempered as opposed
to nervous, moody, and temperamental
Empathy condition of sharing and
understanding the emotions of another
person.
Endocrine system network of glands
that affect bodily functions by releasing
hormones into the bloodstream
Endogenous opioids substances
occurring naturally throughout the body that
function like neurotransmitters to shut down
pain sensation even in the presence of
marked tissue damage. These may
contribute to psychological problems such
as eating disorders; also known as
endorphins or enkephalins.
Endophenotypes genetic mechanisms
that contribute to the underlying problems
causing the symptoms and difficulties
experienced by people with psychological
disorders.
Epidemiology Psychopathology
research method examining the prevalence,
distribution, and consequences of disorders
in populations.
Epigenetics the study of factors other
than inherited DNA sequence, such as new
learning or stress, that alter the phenotypic
expression of genes.
Episodic course pattern of a disorder
alternating between recovery and
recurrence
Erectile disorder recurring inability in
some men to attain or maintain adequate
penile erection until completion of sexual
activity
Erotomanic type belief that another
person, usually of higher status, is in love
with the individual
Erotophobia learned negative reaction
to or attitude about sexual activity, perhaps
developed as a result of a negative or even
traumatic event, such as rape
Essential hypertension high blood
pressure with no verifiable physical cause,
which makes up the overwhelming majority
of high blood pressure cases
Etiology cause or source of a disorder.

Event-related potential (ERP) Brains
electrical reaction to a psychologically
meaningful environment event, as
measured by the electroencephalogram.
Excoriation (skin picking disorder)
recurrent, difficult-to-control picking of ones
skin leading to significant impairment or
distress.
Exhibitionism sexual gratification
attained by exposing genitals to
unsuspecting strangers.
Exorcism religious ritual that attributes
disordered behavior to possession by
demons and seeks to treat the individual by
driving the demons from the body.
Expectancy effect peoples response
to a substance on the basis of their beliefs
about it, even if it contains no active
ingredient; this phenomenon demonstrates
that cognitive, as well as physiological,
factors are involved in drug reaction and
dependence.
Experiment research method that can
establish causation by manipulating the
variables in question and controlling for
alternative explanations of any observed
effects.
Expert witness person who because of
special training and experience is allowed to
offer opinion testimony in legal trials
Explicit memory good recollection of
actual events
Expressed emotion (EE) hostility,
criticism, and over-involvement
demonstrated by some families toward a
family member with a psychological
disorder.
Expressive language communication
with words
Expressive language disorder an
individuals problems in spoken
communication, as measured by
significantly low scores on standardized
tests of expressive language relative to
nonverbal intelligence test scores
External validity extent to which
research findings generalize, or apply, to
people and settings not involved in the
study.
Extinction learning process in which a
response maintained by reinforcement in
operant conditioning or pairing in classical
conditioning decreases when that
reinforcement or pairing is removed; also
the procedure of removing that
reinforcement or pairing.
Extrapyramidal symptoms serious
side effects of neuroleptic medications
resembling the motor difficulties of
Parkinsons disease; they include akinesia
and tardive dyskinesia; also called
parkinsonian symptoms.
Extroversion one of the dimensions of
the five factor model of personality and
individual differences, involves being
talkative, assertive, and active as opposed
to silent, passive, and reserved.
F
Face validity condition of testing in personality disorder, stating that
which test items appear plausible for their psychopaths are less prone or illicit
intended purposes, even if they are not truly activities
valid discriminators.
Female orgasmic disorder recurring
Facial agnosia characterized by a delay or absence of orgasm in some women
persons inability to recognize even familiar following a normal sexual excitement phase,
faces relative to their prior experience and current
Stimulation; also known as inhibited orgasm
Factitious disorder nonexistent
physical or psychological disorder Female sexual interest/arousal
deliberately faked for no apparent gain disorder recurrent inability in some
except possibly sympathy and attention. women to attain or maintain adequate
lubrication and sexual excitement swelling
Failure to thrive stunted physical responses until completion of sexual activity
growth and maturation in children, often
associated with psychosocial factors such Fermentation decomposition process by
as lack of love and nurturing. which yeasts, water, and sugar form
alcohol.
False negative assessment error in
which no pathology is noted (that is, test Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
results are negative) when one is actually pattern of problems including learning
present. difficulties, behavior deficits, and
characteristic physical flaws, resulting from
False positive assessment error in heavy drinking by the victims mother when
which pathology is reported (that is, test she was pregnant with the victim
results are positive) when none is actually
present. Fetishistic disorder long-term,
recurring, intense sexually arousing urges,
Familial aggregation the extent to fantasies, or behavior that involve the use of
which a disorder is found among a patients nonliving, unusual objects and that cause
relatives distress or impairment in life functioning.

Family studies genetic studies that
examine patterns of traits and behaviors
among relatives.
Fatalistic suicide suicide in the context
of a persons hopelessness and loss of the
feeling of control over personal destiny
Fearlessness hypothesis one of the
major theories of the etiology of antisocial
Fight/flight system (FFS) brain circuit
in animals that when stimulated causes an
immediate alarm and escape response
resembling human panic.
Fixation in psychoanalysis, stopping or
concentrating at a psychosexual stage
because of a lack of appropriate gratification
at that stage.
Flashback sudden, intense re-
experiencing of a previous, usually
traumatic, event.
Flat affect apparently emotionless
demeanor (including toneless speech and
vacant gaze) when a reaction would be
expected
Flight or fight response biological
reaction to alarming stressors that musters
the bodys resources (for example, blood
flow and respiration) to resist or flee a
threat.
Fluoxetine Selective-serotonin
reuptake inhibitor (trade name Prozac)
that acts on the serotonergic system as a
treatment for depression, obsessive-
compulsive disorder, and bulimia nervosa
Flurazepam long-acting medication for
insomnia (trade name Dalmane) that may
cause daytime sleepiness.
Forebrain top section of the brain that
includes the limbic system, basal ganglia,
caudate nucleus, and cerebral cortex; also
called telencephalon.
Formal observation structured
recording of behaviors that are measurable
and well defined
Fragile X syndrome pattern of
abnormality caused by a defect in the X
chromosome resulting in intellectual
disability, learning problems, and unusual
physical characteristics
Free association psychoanalytic
therapy technique intended to explore
threatening material repressed into the
unconscious. The patient is instructed to
say whatever comes to mind without
censoring.
Frenzy witchcraft running frenzy
disorder among the Navajo tribe that seems
equivalent to dissociative fugue
Frontal lobe forward section of each
cerebral hemisphere, most responsible for
thinking, reasoning, memory, the
experience of reward, and social behavior
and thus most likely to be involved in a
range of psychopathology.
Frontotemporal neurocognitive
disorder condition that damages the
frontal or temporal regions of the brain;
behavior or language is negatively affected.
Frotteuristic the person gains sexual
gratification by rubbing against unwilling
victims in crowds from which they cannot
escape.
Functional communication training
teaching of speech or non-speech
communication skills to replace undesired
behavior
Functional genomics the study of how
genes function to create changes in the
organism
G
GABAbenzodiazepine system
chemical benzodiazepines that facilitate the
effects of the neurotransmitter
gammaaminobutyric acid in reducing
anxiety
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
neurotransmitter that reduces activity
across the synapse and thus inhibits a
range of behaviors and emotions, especially
generalized anxiety
Gate control theory of pain view that
psychological factors can enhance or
diminish the sensation and perception of
pain by influencing the transmission of pain
impulses through the section of the spinal
cord that acts as a gate.
Gender dysphoria psychological
dissatisfaction with biological gender, a
disturbance in the sense of identity as a
male or female; the primary goal is not
sexual arousal but rather to live the life of
the opposite gender.
Gender nonconformity a phenomenon
in which pre-pubescent children do not
identify with their biological sex, but instead
identify strongly with the gender of the
opposite sex and display varying degrees of
behavior more characteristic of the opposite
sex.
Geneenvironment correlation model
hypothesis that people with a genetic
predisposition for a disorder may also have
a genetic tendency to create environmental
risk factors that promote the disorder
General adaptation syndrome (GAS)
sequence of reactions to sustained stress
described by Hans Selye; these stages are
alarm, resistance, and exhaustion, which
may lead to death
Generalizability extent to which
research results apply to a range of
individuals not included in the study.
Generalized amnesia loss of memory
of all personal information, including identity
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
anxiety disorder characterized by intense,
uncontrollable, unfocused, chronic, and
continuous worry that is distressing and
unproductive, accompanied by physical
symptoms of tenseness, irritability, and
restlessness.
Genes long deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
molecules, the basic physical units of
heredity that appear as locations on
chromosomes
Genetic linkage analysis study that
seeks to match the inheritance pattern of a
disorder to that of a genetic marker; this
helps researchers establish the location of
the gene responsible for the disorder.
Genetic marker inherited characteristic
for which the chromosomal location of the
responsible gene is known
Genital herpes incurable sexually
transmitted viral disease with alternating
periods of dormancy and activity; the active
periods involve pain, liquid discharge,
itching, and ulcerative lesions, and their
recurrence may be influenced by stress.
Genito-pelvic pain/penetration
disorder sexual dysfunction in which a
woman experiences pain or difficulty with
penetration during intercourse; may include
vaginismus.
Genome all of the hereditary information
of an organism that is encoded in DNA.
Genotype specific genetic makeup of an
individual.
Globus hystericus sensation of a lump
in the throat causing the person difficulty in
swallowing, eating, and talking; a enhances the immune system response by
conversion symptom or part of choking
phobia
Glutamate amino acid neurotransmitter
that excites many different neurons, leading
to action.
Grandiose type beliefs of inflated worth,
power, knowledge, identity, or a special
relationship to a deity or famous person
H such as breathing and digestion, and
Hallucinations perceptual disturbance
in which things are seen, heard, or
otherwise sensed although they are not
actually present.
Hallucinogen any psychoactive
substance such as LSD or marijuana that
can produce delusions, hallucinations,
paranoia, and altered sensory perception.
Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological
Battery relatively precise instrument that
helps identify and locate organic damage by
testing various skills, including rhythm, grip,
and tactile performance
Head trauma injury to the head and to
the brain, typically caused by accidents; can
lead to cognitive impairments, including
memory loss.
Hebephrenia silly and immature
emotionality, a characteristic of some types
of schizophrenia.
Helper T cells T-type lymphocyte that
signaling B cells to produce antibodies and
other T cells to destroy antigens.
Heterosexual behavior sexual activity
with members of the opposite gender
Hierarchy of needs ranking of human
necessities from basic food to self-
actualization, proposed by Abraham Maslow
Hindbrain lowest part of the brain stem;
regulates many automatic bodily functions,
includes the medulla, pons, and cerebellum.
Hippocampus part of the brains limbic
system that regulates emotions and the
ability to learn and control impulses; figures
prominently in some psychopathology
Histrionic personality disorder a
pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality
and attention seeking
Homosexual behavior sexual activity
with members of the same gender
Hormone chemical messenger produced
by the endocrine glands.
Human genome project ongoing
scientific attempt to develop a
comprehensive map of all human genes
Human immunodeficiency virus type
1 (HIV-l) disease that causes AIDS
Humoral theory ancient belief that
psychological disorders were caused by
imbalances in bodily humors or fluids
Humors bodily fluids (blood, black and
yellow bile, and phlegm) that early theorists
believed controlled normal and abnormal
functioning.
Huntingtons disease genetic disorder
marked by involuntary limb movements and
progressing to major neurocognitive
disorder
Hypersomnia abnormally excessive
sleep
Hypersomnolence disorder sleep
dysfunction involving an excessive amount
of sleep that disrupts normal routines
Hypertension major risk factor for
stroke and heart and kidney disease that is
intimately related to psychological factor;
also known as high blood pressure.
Hypnagogic hallucinations
characteristic of narcolepsy involving
frightening and vivid experiences during
sleep that are visual, tactile, aural, and
mobile
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder
apparent lack of interest in sexual activity or
fantasy that would not be expected
considering the persons age and life
situation
Hypofrontality relative deficiency in
activity in the frontal lobes of the brains of
people with schizophrenia; associated with
the negative symptoms of the disorder.
Hypomanic episode less severe and
less disruptive version of a manic episode
that is one of the criteria for several mood
disorders
Hypothalamicpituitary
adrenocortical (HPA) axis brain
endocrine system connection implicated in
some psychological disorders
Hypothalamus part of the brain that lies
beneath the thalamus and is broadly
involved in the regulation of behavior and
emotion.
Hypothesis educated guess or
statement to be tested by research.
Hypoventilation reduced or labored
breathing for example, during sleep.
I
Id in psychoanalysis, the unconscious
psychical entity present at birth representing
basic sexual and aggressive drives.
Ideas of reference persons delusion
that the actions, thoughts, laughter, and
meaningless activities of others are directed
toward or refer to that person
Idiographic strategy close and detailed
investigation of an individual emphasizing
what makes that person unique
Illness anxiety disorder Somatic
symptom disorder involving severe
anxiety over belief in having a disease
process without any evident physical cause
Illness phobia extreme fear of the
possibility of contracting a disease
combined with irrational behaviors to avoid
contracting it.
Imaginal exposure presentation or
systematic exposure of emotions or fearful
or traumatic experiences in the imagination
Imipramine one of the tricyclic
antidepressant drugs affecting the
serotonergic and noradrenergic
neurotransmitter systems. It blocks panic
attacks but not more generalized anxiety
and causes side effects such as dry mouth,
dizziness, and, occasionally, sexual
dysfunction; effective in some mood and
anxiety disorders
Immune system bodys means of
identifying and eliminating any foreign
materials that enter
Implicit memory condition of memory in
which a person cannot recall past events
despite acting in response to them
Impulse-control disorders disorders
in which a person acts on an irresistible, but
potentially harmful, impulse.
Inappropriate affect emotional displays
that are improper for the situation.
Incest deviant sexual attraction directed
toward a family member
Incidence number of new cases of a
disorder appearing during a specific period
Independent variable phenomenon
manipulated by the experimenter in a study
and expected to influence the dependent
variable.
Inferiority complex feeling of being
inferior to others while striving for
superiority.
Informal observation attention paid to
behavior but without defining or recording it
in any systematic fashion.
Information transmission warnings
about the feared object repeated so often
that the person develops a phobia solely on
the basis of hearing them.
Informed consent ethical requirement
whereby research subjects agree to
participate in a study only after they receive
full disclosure about the nature of the study
and their own role in it.
Insanity legal rather than psychological
or medical concept involving both a
psychological disorder and an inability to
know or appreciate the wrongfulness of
criminal acts.
Insanity defense legal plea that a
defendant should not be held responsible
for a crime because that person was
mentally ill at the time of the offense
Insidious onset development of a
disorder that occurs gradually over an
extended period
Insight in psychoanalysis, recognition of
the causes of emotional distress
Insomnia disorder condition in which
insufficient sleep interferes with normal
functioning

Insulin shock therapy dangerous
biological treatment involving the
administration of large doses of insulin to
induce seizures
Integrated grief grief that evolves from
acute grief into a condition in which the
individual accepts the finality of a death and
adjusts to the loss.
Intellectual disability (ID) a diagnosis
received when one achieves a significantly
below average score on a test of
intelligence and by limitations in the ability
to function in areas of daily life.
Intelligence quotient (IQ) score on an
intelligence test estimating a persons
deviation from average test performance.
Intermittent explosive disorder
episodes during which a person acts on
aggressive impulses that result in serious
assaults or destruction of property
Intermittent support intellectual
disability intellectual disability level
characterized by the need for only episodic
special care, for example, during crises and
difficult life changes.
Internal validity extent to which the
results of a study can be attributed to the
independent variable after confounding
alternative explanations have been ruled
out.
Interoceptive avoidance avoidance of
situations or activities, such as exercise,
that produce internal physical arousal
similar to the beginnings of a panic attack.
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
brief treatment approach that emphasizes
resolution of interpersonal problems and
stressors, such as role disputes, in marital
conflict or forming relationships in marriage
or a new job. It has demonstrated
effectiveness for such problems as
depression.
Interrater reliability degree to which
two or more observers make the same
ratings or measurements
Intersex individuals people born with
ambiguous genitalia and hormonal
abnormalities; also known as
hermaphrodites.
Intrapsychic conflicts in
psychoanalysis, the struggles among the id,
ego, and superego.
Introjection in object relations theory,
the process of incorporating memories and
values of individuals who are important and
close to the person
Introspection nonscientific approach to
the study of psychology involving systematic
attempts to report thoughts and feelings that
specific stimuli evoked.
Introversion tendency to be shy and
withdrawn.
Inverse agonist chemical substance
that produces effects opposite those of a
particular neurotransmitter
Ischemia narrowing of arteries caused
by plaque buildup within the arteries.
Isolated sleep paralysis a period of
time upon going to sleep or upon awakening
in which a person cannot perform voluntary
movements.
J Lateral ventricles naturally occurring
Jealous type delusions that the
individuals sexual partner is unfaithful
Jet lag type of circadian rhythm sleep
disorder disorder in which sleepiness
and alertness patterns conflict with local
time and occur after recent or repeated
travel across time zones
Joint attention attention shared by two
persons toward an object after one person
has indicated interest in the object to the
other person; this social interaction is limited
or absent in people with autism spectrum
disorder.
K Learning
Kleptomania recurrent failure to resist
urges to steal things not needed for
personal use or their monetary value.
Koro in Singapore, a condition of mass
hysteria or group delusion in which people
believes their genitals are retracting into
their bodies.
L types that play specialized roles in the
La belle indiffrence lack of distress
shown by some individuals presenting
conversion, somatic symptom disorder, or
amnestic disorders.
Labeling applying a name to a
phenomenon or a pattern of behavior. The
label may acquire negative connotations or
be applied erroneously to the person rather
than that persons behaviors.
cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal
fluid. Some individuals with schizophrenia
have enlarged ventricles, probably resulting
from insufficient development or atrophy of
surrounding tissue.
Law of effect Edward L. Thorndikes
principle that behaviors are strengthened or
weakened by the environmental events that
follow them
Learned helplessness Martin
Seligmans theory that people become
anxious and depressed when they make an
attribution that they have no control over the
stress in their lives
mathematics,
disorders
or written
reading,
expression
performance substantially below levels
expected relative to the persons age, IQ
score, and education.
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome X-linked
disorder characterized by intellectual
disability, signs of cerebral palsy, and self-
injurious behavior.
Leukocytes White blood cells of varying
immune system to fight viral and parasitic
infections.
Level degree of behavior change with
different interventions

Libido in psychoanalysis, the energy
within the id that drives people toward life
and fulfillment
Life-span developmental
psychopathology study of psychological
disorders over the entire age range
Limbic system part of the forebrain
involved in emotion, the ability to learn and
to control impulses, and the regulation of
sex, hunger, thirst, and aggression drives.
This system figures prominently in much of
psychopathology.
Lithium carbonate common salt used
in substantial doses to treat bipolar disorder.
Loose associations deficits in logical
continuity of speech, with abrupt movement
between ideas
LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide)
most common hallucinogenic drug; a
synthetic version of the grain fungus ergot
Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological
Battery relatively precise instrument that
helps identify and locate organic damage by
testing various skills.
Lysergic acid amide naturally
occurring hallucinogen found in the seeds of
the morning glory plant.

Lobotomy Neurosurgery procedure

intended to eliminate undesirable behaviors
M
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
by severing the connections between the
procedure using radio signals generated in
thalamus or hypothalamus and the frontal
a strong magnetic field and passed through
lobes of the brain.
body tissue to produce detailed, even
layered, images of its structure.
Localized or selective amnesia
memory loss limited to specific times and
Major depressive disorder involving
events, particularly traumatic events
one or more (separated by at least 2
months without depression, recurrent) major
Locus coeruleus area in the hindbrain
depressive episodes
that is part of a noradrenergic circuit; it is
involved in emergency and alarm reactions
Major depressive episode most
and may be related to panic states.
common and severe experience of
depression, including feelings of
Longitudinal course time patterns
worthlessness, disturbances in bodily
among mood disorders that may suggest
activities such as sleep, loss of interest, and
their course, treatment, and prognosis.
inability to experience pleasure, persisting
at least 2 weeks.
Longitudinal design Systematic study of
changes in the same individual or group
Major Neurocognitive disorder
examined over time
gradual deterioration of brain functioning
that affects memory, judgment, language,
and other advanced cognitive processes.

Male hypoactive sexual desire
disorder dysfunction in which a man
feels distress from having little or no sexual
interest
Malingering deliberate faking of a
physical or psychological disorder motivated
by gain.
Mania period of abnormally excessive
elation or euphoria, associated with some
mood disorders.
Manic episode period of abnormally
elevated or irritable mood that may include
inflated self-esteem, decreased need for
sleep, pressured speech, flight of ideas,
agitation, or self-destructive behavior.
Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) dried
flowers and leaves of the hemp plant; a
hallucinogen that is the most widely used
illegal substance
Marital therapy interventions for the
relationship problems of couples, whether
married or not.
Mass hysteria phenomenon in which
people in groups share the same fear,
delusion, abnormal behavior, or even
physical symptoms as a result of
psychological processes and suggestion
Mathematics disorder mathematics
performance significantly below the
standard for that age level
Medroxyprogesterone medication that
helps stimulate respiration and is used in
treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Medulla part of the hindbrain, which
regulates such automatic bodily functions as
breathing and digestion.
Melatonin Hormone produced by the
pineal gland that is activated by darkness to
control the bodys biological clock and to
induce sleep. It is implicated in seasonal
affective disorder and may be used in
treatments for circadian rhythm sleep
disorder.
Memory B cells specialized
lymphocytes created after antigens are
neutralized to help the immune system fight
off new invasions by those antigens more
rapidly.
Mental age score a person achieves on
an intelligence test representing the highest
age equivalent items passed.
Mental hygiene movement mid-19th-
century effort to improve care of the
mentally disordered by informing the public
of their mistreatment
Mental illness term formerly used to
mean psychological disorder but less
preferred because it implies that the causes
of the disorder can be found in a medical
disease process.
Mental status exam relatively brief
preliminary test of a clients judgment,
orientation to time and place, and emotional
and mental state; typically conducted during
an initial interview.
Mescaline naturally occurring
hallucinogen found in the peyote cactus
plant.
Methadone Opiate agonist used as a
treatment for heroin addiction; it initially
provides the analgesic and sedative effects
of heroin.
Methylphenidate Stimulant medicine
(trade name Ritalin) used to treat
hypersomnia (by keeping the person awake
during the day); narcolepsy, including that
with sudden onset (by suppressing rapid
eye movement sleep); and attention
deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Microsleeps short, seconds-long
periods of sleep that occurs in people who
have been deprived of sleep.
Midbrain section of the brain that
coordinates movement with sensory input
and contributes to the processes of arousal
and tension.
Mild intellectual disability level of
intellectual disability defined by IQ scores
between 55 and 70
Mild neurocognitive disorder modest
impairment in cognitive abilities that can be
overcome with accommodations such as
extensive lists or elaborate schedules
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
Inventory (MMPI) empirically derived
standardized personality test that provides
scales for assessing such abnormal
functioning as depression and paranoia.
Modeling (also known as observational
learning) Learning through observation and
imitation of the behavior of other individuals
and consequences of that behavior.
Moderate intellectual disability level
of intellectual disability defined by IQ scores
between 40 and 55
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
medications that treat depression and
severe social anxiety by blocking an
enzyme that breaks down the
neurotransmitters norepinephrine and
serotonin
Mood enduring period of emotionality.
Mood congruent consistent with the
persons emotional level
Mood disorders Group of disorders
involving severe and enduring disturbances
in emotionality ranging from elation to
severe depression.
Mood incongruent not consistent with
the persons emotional level
Moral therapy psychosocial approach in
the 19th century that involved treating
patients as normally as possible in normal
environments
Moral weakness model of chemical
dependence view that substance
abusers should be blamed because their
behavior results from lack of self-control,
character, or moral fiber
Morphine Opiate medication used as
an analgesic (pain reliever) and narcotic
that is sometimes a substance of abuse.
Multiaxial system categorization
system, such as in DSM-IV-TR, employing
several dimensions or axes, each used for
differentiating among the categories

Multidimensional integrative
approach approach to the study of
psychopathology that holds psychological
disorders as always being the products of
multiple interacting causal factors.
Multiple infarctions more than one
area or incident of death to tissue (for
example, in the brain or heart) because of
blockage of blood flow.
Myocardial infarction death of heart
tissue when its blood supply artery is
blocked by plaque or a blood clot
N Neurasthenia disorder common in the
Naltrexone most widely used opiate
antagonist drug. It produces immediate
withdrawal and a great deal of discomfort. It
may also contribute to the treatment of
alcohol abuse but is not as successful for
either substance as was originally hoped.
Narcissistic personality disorder
involving a pervasive pattern of grandiosity
in fantasy or behavior, need for admiration,
and lack of empathy
Narcolepsy sleep disorder involving
sudden and irresistible sleep attacks.
Natural environment phobia fear of
situations or events in nature, especially
heights, storms, and water
Negative affect emotional symptoms
that are part of the definition of both anxiety
and depression but are not specific to either
of these
Negative correlation association
between two variables in which one
increases as the other decreases.
Negative schema automatic, enduring,
and stable negative cognitive bias or belief
system about some aspect of life
Negative symptoms less outgoing
symptoms, such as flat affect and poverty of
speech, displayed by some people with
schizophrenia
Nervous breakdown lay term for a
severe psychological upset that has no
meaning in scientific or professional
psychopathology
United States in the mid-1800s; the label is
no longer used here, its symptoms include a
lack of energy, a variety of aches and pains,
and sometimes fever. This disorder is
similar to present-day chronic fatigue
syndrome.
Neurocognitive disorder due to
Alzheimers disease condition resulting
from a disease that develops most often in
people 50 and older, characterized by
multiple cognitive defects that develop
gradually and steadily
Neurocognitive disorder due to HIV
infection less common type of
neurocognitive disorder that affects people
who have HIV; may lead to impaired
thinking in advanced stages
Neurocognitive disorder due to
Huntingtons disease neurological
disorder that follows a subcortical pattern
and is notable for causing involuntary limb
movements
Neurocognitive disorder due to Lewy
body disease neurological impairment
that affects people with Lewy body disease,
in which protein deposits damage brain cells
and gradually cause motor impairments and
loss of alertness
Neurocognitive disorder due to
Parkinsons disease disorder
characterized by progressive decline in
motor movements; results from damage to
dopamine pathways.
Neurocognitive disorder due to prion
disease rare progressive
neurodegenerative disorder caused by
prions, proteins that can reproduce
themselves and cause damage to brain
cells
Neurocognitive disorder due to
traumatic brain injury condition
resulting from jarring of the brain caused by
a blow to the head or other impact;
symptoms persist for at least a week after
the initial trauma.
Neurodevelopmental disorders
neurologically based disorders that are
revealed in a clinically significant way during
a childs developing years.
Neurofibrillary tangles brain damage
in the form of large numbers of strand-like
filaments found during autopsy in people
with Alzheimers disease.
Neurohormones hormones that affect
the brain and are increasingly the focus of
study in psychopathology.
Neuroimaging sophisticated computer-
aided procedures that allow nonintrusive
examination of nervous system structure
and function.
Neuroleptics major antipsychotic
medications, dopamine antagonists that
diminish delusions, hallucinations, and
aggressive behavior in psychotic patients
but may also cause serious side effects.
Neuromodulators Hormones
secreted into the blood to transmit brain
messages throughout the body; also known
as neuropeptides.
Neuron individual nerve cell; responsible
for transmitting information.
Neuropsychological testing
assessment of brain and nervous system
functioning by testing an individuals
performance on behavioral tasks.
Neuroscience study of the nervous
system and its role in behavior, thoughts,
and emotions.
Neurosis obsolete psychodynamic term
for psychological disorder thought to result
from unconscious conflicts and the anxiety
they cause. Plural is neuroses.
Neurotransmitters chemicals that cross
the synaptic cleft between nerve cells to
transmit impulses from one neuron to the
next. Their relative excess or deficiency is
involved in several psychological disorders.
Nicotine toxic and addictive substance
found in tobacco leaves.
Nicotine gum chewing gum that delivers
nicotine to smokers without the carcinogens
in cigarette smoke
Nicotine patch patch placed on the skin
that delivers nicotine to smokers without
the carcinogens in cigarette smoke.
Night eating syndrome consuming a
third or more of daily food intake after the
evening meal and getting out of bed at least
once during the night to have a high-calorie
snack. In the morning, however, individuals
with night eating syndrome are not hungry
and do not usually eat breakfast. These
individuals do not binge during their night
eating and seldom purge.
Nightmares frightening and anxiety-
provoking dreams occurring during rapid
eye movement sleep. The individual recalls
the bad dreams and recovers alertness and
orientation quickly.
Nocturnal enuresis urination while
sleeping
Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)
erection of the penis during sleep, usually
rapid eye movement sleep
Nomenclature in a naming system or
nosology, the actual labels or names that
are applied; in psychopathology, these
include mood disorders and eating
disorders.
Nomothetic strategy identification and
examination of large groups of people with
the same disorder to note similarities and
develop general laws (compare with
idiographic strategy)
Nondemand pleasuring procedure to
reestablish sexual arousal involving fondling
and caressing while intercourse is
forbidden. This method avoids the anxiety
provoked by the need to perform sexually.
Nondisjunction in Down syndrome, the
failure of two of the 21st chromosomes to
divide to create one cell with one copy that
dies and one cell with three copies that
continue to divide.
Nonrapid eye movement (NREM)
sleep periods in the sleep cycle, divided
into four substages, when the body may be
active while the brain is relatively less active
and dreaming does not occur.
Norepinephrine neurotransmitter active
in the central and peripheral nervous
systems, controlling heart rate, blood
pressure, and respiration, among other
functions. Because of its role in the bodys
alarm reaction, it may also contribute
generally and indirectly to panic attacks and
other disorders.
Nucleus accumbens complex of
neurons that is part of the brains pleasure
pathway responsible for the experience of
reward.
O
Obesity excess of body fat resulting in a
body mass index (BMI, a ratio of weight to
height) of 30 or more.
Object relations modern development
in psychodynamic theory involving the study
of how children incorporate the memories
and values of people who are close and
important to them.
Obsessions recurrent intrusive thoughts
or impulses the client seeks to suppress or
neutralize while recognizing they are not
imposed by outside forces.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD) Disorder involving unwanted,
persistent, intrusive thoughts and impulses,
as well as repetitive actions intended to
suppress them.
Obsessive-compulsive personality
disorder featuring a pervasive pattern of
preoccupation with orderliness,
perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal
control at the expense of flexibility,
openness, and efficiency
Obstructive sleep apnea snoring and
brief interruptions in breathing during sleep
caused by blockage of the airway
Occipital lobe section of each cerebral
hemisphere that integrates and makes
sense of visual inputs
Oedipus complex in psychoanalysis,
the intrapsychic struggle within a young boy
between his lust for his mother and his fear
of castration because of it; the resolution of
this complex result in development of the
superego
Operant conditioning fundamental
behavioral learning process in which
responses are modified by their
consequences
Operational definition delineation of a
concept on the basis of the operation used
to measure it.
Opiates addictive psychoactive
substances such as heroin, opium, and
morphine that cause temporary euphoria
and analgesia (pain reduction)
Opioid use disorders cognitive,
biological, behavioral, and social problems
associated with the use and abuse of
opiates and their synthetic variants.
Opioid-releasing neurons nerve cells
that release endogenous opioids and play a
role in the brains pleasure pathway
controlling the experience of reward.
Opioids family of substances including
opiates and endorphins, as well as synthetic
variants such as methadone that have a
narcotic effect.
Opium naturally occurring compound
from the poppy plant that is a strong
narcotic, having pain-relieving and sleep-
and euphoria-inducing effects.
Opponent-process theory explanation
of drug tolerance and dependence
suggesting that when a person experiences
positive feelings these will be followed
shortly by negative feelings, and vice versa
Orgasm phase stage of sexual activity
involving ejaculation in men and vaginal wall
contractions in women
Orgasmic reconditioning learning
procedure to help clients strengthen
appropriate patterns of sexual arousal by
pairing appropriate stimuli with the
pleasurable sensations of masturbation.
Oriented times three patients are
aware of, or oriented to, their identity,
location, and time (person, place, and time).
Outcome research studies examining
the effectiveness and results, positive or
negative, of treatment procedures
P Paraphilic disorders sexual disorders
Panic sudden, overwhelming fright or
terror.
Panic attack abrupt experience of
intense fear or discomfort accompanied by
a number of physical symptoms, such as
dizziness or heart palpitations.
Panic control treatment (PCT)
cognitive behavioral treatment for panic
attacks, involving gradual exposure to
feared somatic sensations and modification
of perceptions and attitudes about them.
Panic disorder recurrent unexpected
panic attacks accompanied by concern
about future attacks and/or a lifestyle
change to avoid future attacks.
Papaverine vasodilating medication
used to treat male erectile disorder by
dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow
to the penis to form an erection. The
medication must be injected, and the
procedure can be painful.
Paradoxical intention instructing
clients to do the opposite of the desired
behavior; telling an impotent man not to
have sex or an insomniac not to sleep
reduces anxiety to perform.
Paranoia peoples irrational beliefs that
they are especially important (delusions of
grandeur) or that other people are seeking
to do them harm.
Paranoid personality disorder
involving pervasive distrust and
suspiciousness of others such that their
motives are interpreted as malevolent
and deviations in which sexual arousal
occurs almost exclusively in the context of
inappropriate objects or individuals.
Parasomnias abnormal behaviors such
as nightmares or sleepwalking that occur
during sleep.
Parasympathetic nervous system
part of the autonomic nervous system that
regulates bodily systems (for example,
digestion) while activity level is low and that
balances sympathetic nervous system
activity
Parens patriae Latin term (parent of his
country) used to describe when the
government takes on the role of guardian
for a minor or person incapacitated.
Parietal lobe section of each cerebral
hemisphere responsible for recognizing
touch sensations
Parkinsons disease degenerative
brain disorder principally affecting motor
performance associated with reduction in
dopamine.
Passive-aggressive personality
disorder personality disorder
characterized by defiance and
uncooperativeness, which was studied for
inclusion in the DSM but ultimately excluded
for lack of sufficient research
Pathological gambling persistent and
recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior
Patient uniformity myth tendency to
consider all members of a category as more
similar than they are, ignoring their
individual differences
Pedophilia paraphilia involving strong
sexual attraction toward children.
Permissive hypothesis theory that
neurotransmitter systems contribute to
mood irregularities when low serotonin
levels permit them to range widely and
become unregulated
Persecutory type a form of delusion
that involves believing oneself (or someone
close) is being malevolently treated in some
way.
Persistent depressive disorder
(dysthymia) mood disorder involving
persistently depressed mood, with low self-
esteem, withdrawal, pessimism, or despair,
present for at least 2 years, with no absence
of symptoms for more than 2 months.

Penile prosthesis surgical treatment for Person-centered therapy therapy

male erectile disorder involving the insertion method in which the client, rather than the
of a prosthesis that may be a semi-rigid counselor, primarily directs the course of
silicone rod or an inflatable tube discussion, seeking self-discovery and self-
responsibility
Penile strain gauge
psychophysiological monitoring device that Personality disorders enduring
measures male sexual arousal by changes maladaptive patterns for relating to the
in penis circumference environment and self, exhibited in a range
of contexts that cause significant functional
Performance scales in the Wechsler impairment or subjective distress.
group of intelligence tests, subtests that
assess psychomotor and nonverbal Personality inventories self-report
reasoning skills and the ability to learn new questionnaires that assess personal traits
relationships. by asking respondents to identify
descriptions that apply to them
Peripheral nervous system neural
networks outside the brain and spinal cord, Personality trait enduring tendency to
including the somatic nervous system, behave in particular predisposed ways
which controls muscle movement, and the across situations
autonomic nervous system, which
regulates cardiovascular, endocrine, Phantom limb pain perception of pain
digestion, and regulation functions in a limb that is absent because of
amputation; this phenomenon suggests pain
is not entirely a physical experience.

Phencyclidine (PCP) dangerous
synthetic hallucinogen, also called angel
dust that may cause agitated or violent
behavior, disorientation, convulsions, coma,
and even death.
Phenotype observable characteristics or
behaviors of an individual.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) recessive
disorder involving the inability to break down
a food chemical whose buildup causes
intellectual disability, seizures, and behavior
problems.
Phii pob Thailands version of
dissociative trance states
Phobia Psychological disorder
characterized by marked and persistent fear
of an object or situation
Phobic avoidance extreme shunning of
feared objects or situations displayed by
people with phobias
Phototherapy treatment of seasonal
affective disorder with large doses of
exposure to bright light.
Picks disease rare condition that
results in early onset neurocognitive
disorder
Pivloktoq running frenzy disorder among
native peoples of the Arctic that seems
equivalent to dissociative fugue.
Placebo a non-active treatment that is
successful due to suggestion.
Placebo control group in an outcome
experiment, a control group that does not
receive the experimental manipulation but is
given a similar procedure with an identical
expectation of change, allowing the
researcher to assess any placebo effect
Placebo effect behavior change
resulting from the persons expectation of
change rather than from the experimental
manipulation itself
Plasticity phenomenon by which
damage to neurons sometimes can be
compensated for by the action of other
neurons.
Pleasure principle tendency to seek
pleasure and minimize discomfort
Polysomnographic (PSG) evaluation
assessment of sleep disorders in which a
client sleeping in the lab is monitored for
heart, muscle, respiration, brain wave, and
other functions.
Polysubstance use use of multiple
mind- and behavior-altering substances,
such as drugs
Pons part of the hindbrain that controls
such automatic bodily functions as
breathing and digestion
Positive correlation association
between two variables in which one
increases as the other increases.
Positive symptoms more overt
symptoms, such as delusions and
hallucinations, displayed by some people
with schizophrenia
Positron emission tomography (PET)
scan imaging procedure in which a
radioactive tracer that binds to blood
glucose is detected as the glucose is
metabolized during brain activity. This
allows nonintrusive localization and
observation of brain activity.
Postpartum onset disorder that first
appears in mothers during the time
immediately following childbirth
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
enduring, distressing emotional disorder
that follows exposure to severe
helplessness or a fear-inducing threat; the
victim re-experiences the trauma, avoids
stimuli associated with it, and develops a
numbing of responsiveness and an
increased vigilance and arousal.
Prealcoholic stage first of E. Morton
Jellineks four stages identified in the
progression of alcoholism, involving
occasional drinking with few serious
consequences
Predictive validity degree to which an
assessment instrument accurately predicts
a persons future behavior
Premature ejaculation recurring
ejaculation before the person wishes it, with
minimal sexual stimulation.
Prepared learning an ability that has
been adaptive for evolution, allowing certain
associations to be learned more readily than
others
Presenting problem original complaint
reported by the client to the therapist. The
actual treated problem may sometimes be a
modification derived from the presenting
problem.
Prevalence number of people displaying
a disorder in the total population at any
given time
Primary gain Freudian notion that
anxiety reduction is the principal
reinforcement obtained for the display of
psychological symptoms
Primary insomnia difficulty in initiating,
maintaining, or gaining from sleep; not
related to other medical or psychological
problems.
Primary process in psychodynamic
theory, the ids characteristic mode of
thinking, which is emotional, irrational, and
preoccupied with sex, aggression, and envy
Prion disease disorder caused by
proteins that multiply in the brain and
damage brain cells; may lead to major
neurocognitive disorder.
Proband in genetics research, the
individual displaying the trait or
characteristic being studied.
Prodromal stage second of E. Morton
Jellineks four stages identified in the
progression of alcoholism, featuring heavy
drinking but with few outward signs of a
problem.
Profound mental intellectual
disability level of intellectual disability
defined by IQ scores below 20 and
extremely limited communication and self-
help skills.
Prognosis predicted future development
of a disorder over time.
Progressive muscle relaxation set of
exercises to teach people to become aware
of and actively counteract muscle tension to
induce relaxation or drowsiness.
Projective tests psychoanalytically
based measures that present ambiguous
stimuli to clients on the assumption that
their responses will reveal their unconscious
conflicts. Such tests are inferential and lack
high reliability and validity.
Prosody vocal characteristics such as
tone and stress; people with autism
spectrum disorder often have trouble
recognizing and interpreting these vocal
cues.
Prototypical approach system for
categorizing disorders using both essential,
defining characteristics and a range of
variation on other characteristics
Psilocybin naturally occurring
hallucinogen found in certain species of
mushrooms.
Psychiatric nurse person with nursing
training who specializes in care and
treatment of psychiatric patients, usually in
a hospital setting
Psychiatric social worker person who
has earned a master of social work
(M.S.W.) degree or, occasionally, a doctor
of social work (D.S.W.) degree and is
trained to work with social agencies to help
psychologically disordered clients and their
families
Psychiatrist person who has earned an
M.D. degree and then has specialized in
psychiatry during residency training. Such a
person is trained to investigate primarily the
biological nature and causes of psychiatric
disorders and to diagnose and treat them.
Psychoactive substances
substances, such as drugs, that alter mood
or behavior.
Psychoanalysis psychoanalytic
assessment and therapy, which emphasizes
exploration of, and insight into, unconscious
processes and conflicts, pioneered by
Sigmund Freud.
Psychoanalyst therapist who practices
psychoanalysis after earning either an M.D.
or a Ph.D. degree and receiving additional
specialized postdoctoral training.
Psychoanalytic model complex and
comprehensive theory originally advanced
by Sigmund Freud that seeks to account for
the development and structure of
personality, as well as the origin of
abnormal behavior, based primarily on
inferred inner entities and forces.
Psychological autopsy postmortem
psychological profile of a suicide victim
constructed from interviews with people who
knew the person before death.
Psychological disorder psychological
dysfunction associated with distress or
impairment in functioning that is not a
typical or culturally expected response.
Psychological model explanation of
human behavior and its dysfunction that
emphasizes the influence of the social
environment and early experience
Psychomotor intellectual disability Psychosis group of severe
deficits in motor activity and coordination psychological disorders, including
development schizophrenia, featuring delusions and
hallucinations.
Psychoncology study of psychological
factors involved in the course and treatment Psychosocial treatment treatment
of cancer. practices that focus on social and cultural
factors as well as psychological influences.
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) These approaches include cognitive,
study of psychological influences on the behavioral, and interpersonal methods.
neurological responding involved in the
bodys immune response. Psychosurgery biological treatment
involving neurosurgery, such as lobotomy,
Psychopathology scientific study of for a psychological disorder. For example, a
psychological disorders specific surgical lesion to the cingulate
bundle may be an effective last-resort
Psychopathy non-DSM-5 category treatment for obsessive-compulsive
similar to antisocial personality disorder but disorder.
with less emphasis on overt behavior.
Indicators include superficial charm, lack of Psychotic behavior severe
remorse, and other personality psychological disorder category
characteristics. characterized by hallucinations and loss of
contact with reality.
Psychopharmacogenetics the study
of how genetic makeup can affect individual Pyromania an impulse-control disorder
reactions to drugs. that involves having an irresistible urge to
set fires.
Psychophysiological assessment
measurement of changes in the nervous
system reflecting psychological or emotional
events such as anxiety, stress, and sexual
Q
arousal Quantitative genetics method of
genetics research that examines patterns of
Psychophysiological disorders genetic control over a range of genes, each
outdated term, similar to psychosomatic of which may contribute only a small effect
medicine, for the study of psychological and
social factors influencing physical disorders;
the term is misleading because it falsely
implies that other psychological problems, R
such as mood disorders, do not have
Randomization method for placing
significant biological components.
individuals into research groups that
assures each an equal chance of being
assigned to any group, thus eliminating any can occur when medications are used to
systematic differences across groups. treat insomnia and then withdrawn.

Rapid cycling temporal course of a Receptive language communicated

bipolar disorder when transitions between
mania and depression are quick, occurring
four or more times in 1 year.
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
periodic intervals of sleep during which the
eyes move rapidly from side to side, and
dreams occur, but the body is inactive.
Rauwolfia serpentina more commonly
known as reserpine, an early medication
derived from the snakeroot plant that helps
control the agitation and aggressiveness of
some psychotic patients.
Raynauds disease cardiovascular
disease involving blockage of blood
circulation to the extremities, with resultant
pain and cold sensations in the hands and
feet
Reactive attachment disorder
attachment disorder in which a child with
disturbed behavior neither seeks out a
caregiver nor responds to offers of help
from one; fearfulness and sadness are often
evident
material that is understood.
Receptors locations on nerve cell
dendrites that receive chemical impulses for
transmission through the neuron.
Recessive gene gene that must be
paired with another recessive gene to
determine a trait
Regulated-breathing method
intervention for stuttering in which the
person is instructed to stop and take a deep
breath whenever a stuttering episode
begins
Reinforcement in operant conditioning,
consequences for behavior that strengthen
it or increase its frequency
Relapse reappearance of or return to
problem behaviors after treatment or
recovery.
Relapse prevention extending
therapeutic progress by teaching the client
how to cope with future troubling situations.

Reactivity changes in one persons Relaxation response active

behavior as a result of observing the components of meditation methods,
behavior in another. including repetitive thoughts of a sound to
reduce distracting thoughts and closing the
Reality principle in psychodynamic mind to other intruding thoughts that
theory, the logical reasoning style of the ego decrease the flow of stress hormones and
that ensures actions are practical and neurotransmitters and cause a feeling of
realistic. calm

Rebound insomnia in a person with Reliability degree to which a

insomnia, the worsened sleep problems that measurement is consistent

Replication confirming the results of a
study by repeating it, often by a separate,
independent researcher.
Repressed memories concept
involving recollections of traumatic events
actively eliminated from memory.
Repression in psychoanalytic theory, a
process that forces unwanted material from
the conscious to the unconscious
Research design plan of
experimentation used to test a hypothesis.
Reticular activating system (RAS)
section of the midbrain responsible for
tension and arousal processes, including
sleep and wakefulness
Retrograde ejaculation condition in
which ejaculatory fluids travel backward into
the bladder, usually as a result of certain
drugs or a medical condition
Retrospective information literally
the view back; data collected by examining
records or recollections of the past. It is
limited by the accuracy, validity, and
thoroughness of the sources.
Rett disorder progressive
neurodevelopmental disorder featuring
constant hand- wringing, intellectual
disability, and impaired motor skills
Reuptake action by which a
neurotransmitter is quickly drawn back into
the discharging neuron after being released
into a synaptic cleft.
Rheumatoid arthritis painful,
degenerative disease in which the immune
system essentially attacks itself, resulting in
stiffness, swelling, and even destruction of
the joints; cognitive behavioral treatments
can help relieve pain and stiffness.
Rorschach inkblot test projective test
that uses irregular patterns of ink as its
ambiguous stimuli
S
Sadistic personality disorder
pervasive pattern of deriving pleasure by
inflicting pain on others; studied for inclusion
in the DSM but not included in DSM-5.
Saint Vituss Dance instance of mass
hysteria in which groups of people
experienced a simultaneous compulsion to
dance and shout in the streets; also known
as tarantism.
Sakit gila disorder reported in Malaysia,
similar to schizophrenia but different in
important ways that may illuminate details of
both disorders
Scheduled awakening for children who
wake frequently at night, awakening them
about an hour before their usual times and
from a deeper sleep than usual to help them
learn to fall asleep on their own
Schizoaffective disorder psychotic
disorder featuring symptoms of both
schizophrenia and major mood disorder
Schizoid personality disorder
featuring a pervasive pattern of detachment
from social relationships and a restricted
range of expression of emotions
Schizophrenia devastating psychotic
disorder that may involve characteristic
disturbances in thinking (delusions),
perception (hallucinations), speech,
emotions, and behavior.
Schizophreniform disorder psychotic
disorder involving the symptoms of
schizophrenia but lasting less than 6
months
Schizophrenogenic mother according
to an obsolete, unsupported theory, a cold,
dominating, and rejecting parent who was
thought to cause schizophrenia in her
offspring
Schizotypal personality disorder
involving a pervasive pattern of
interpersonal deficits featuring acute
discomfort with, and reduced capacity for,
close relationships, as well as cognitive or
perceptual distortions and eccentricities of
behavior.
Scientist-practitioners mental health
professionals who are expected to apply
scientific methods to their work. They must
keep current in the latest research on
diagnosis and treatment, they must evaluate
their own methods for effectiveness, and
they may generate their own research to
discover new knowledge of disorders and
their treatment.
Script theory theory of sexual
functioning that suggests peoples sexual
behavior and attitudes are guided by scripts
reflecting social and cultural expectations.
Negative scripts may increase vulnerability
to the development of sexual dysfunction.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
mood disorder involving a cycling of
episodes corresponding to the seasons of
the year, typically with depression occurring
during the winter
Seasonal pattern temporal course of
bipolar or recurrent major depressive
disorders in which episodes occur during
particular seasons of the year.
Secondary gain additional reinforcers
beyond primary gain that a person may
obtain by the display of symptoms; these
may include attention, sympathy, and
avoidance of unwanted responsibilities.
Selective mutism developmental
disorder characterized by the individuals
consistent failure to speak in specific social
situations despite speaking in other
situations.
Selective-serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs) class of medications
for depression (including Prozac) that act on
the serotonergic system by inhibiting the
reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Self-actualizing process emphasized in
humanistic psychology in which people
strive to achieve their highest potential
against difficult life experiences.
Self-efficacy perception of having the
ability to cope with stress or challenges.
Self-monitoring action by which clients
observe and record their own behaviors as
either an assessment of a problem and its
change or a treatment procedure that
makes them more aware of their responses;
also called self-observation.
Semi-structured interviews interviews
that employ preplanned, standardized
questions to elicit information in a consistent
way
Sensate focus sex therapy in which
couples concentrate on pleasurable
sensations from caressing and fondling;
intercourse is forbidden to prevent focus on
sexual performance and the anxiety it may
provoke.
Sensorium persons general awareness
of the surroundings, including time and
place.
Sentence-completion method
projective test in which the person is asked
to finish a series of incomplete sentences
Separation anxiety disorder
excessive, enduring fear in some individuals
that harm will come to them or their loved
ones when they are apart.
Septum part of the limbic system that
regulates emotions and the ability to learn
and control impulses, as well as such drives
as sex, hunger, thirst, and aggression.
Sequential design combination of the
cross-sectional and longitudinal designs
involving repeated study of different cohorts
over time.
Serotonin neurotransmitter involved in
processing of information and coordination
of movement, as well as inhibition and
restraint. It also assists in the regulation of
eating, sexual, and aggressive behaviors,
all of which may be involved in different
psychological disorders.
Severe intellectual disability level of
intellectual disability defined by IQ scores
between 20 and 40 and with somewhat
limited communication, self-help, social, and
vocational skills
Sex reassignment surgery surgical
procedures to alter a persons physical
anatomy to conform to that persons
psychological gender identity
Sexual dysfunction sexual disorder in
which the client finds it difficult to function
adequately while having sex.
Sexual masochism paraphilia in which
sexual arousal is associated with
experiencing pain or humiliation.
Sexual sadism paraphilia in which
sexual arousal is associated with inflicting
pain or humiliation.
Shaping in operant conditioning, the
development of a new response by
reinforcing successively more similar
versions of that response
Shared psychotic disorder (folie
deux) psychotic disturbance in which
individuals develop a delusion similar to that
of a person with whom they share a close
relationship.
Shift work type circadian rhythm sleep
disorder characterized by insomnia during
sleep time and sleepiness during wake time
because of late-shift work or frequent work
shift changes.
Single photon emission computed
tomography (SPECT) neuroimaging
procedure similar to a positron emission
tomography scan, although less accurate,
less complex, and less costly.
Single-case experimental design
research tactic in which an independent
variable is manipulated for a single
individual, allowing cause-and-effect
conclusions but with limited
Sinoaortic baroreflex arc
body
mechanism to compensate for sudden
blood pressure increases by decreasing
pressure. This reaction causes some people
to faint and may lead them to develop
phobias.
Situational phobia Anxiety involving
enclosed places or public transportation
Sleep apnea disorder involving brief
periods when breathing ceases during
sleep.
Sleep attacks unexpected episodes of
falling asleep during the day.
Sleep efficiency (SE) percentage of
time actually spent sleeping of the total time
spent in bed.
Sleep hygiene psychological treatment
for insomnia that teaches clients to
recognize and eliminate environmental
obstacles to sleep.
Sleep paralysis brief and frightening
period at the beginning or end of sleep
when the individual cannot move or speak;
sometimes mistaken for nocturnal panic
attack.
Sleep restriction treatment for insomnia
that involves limiting time in bed to the
actual amount spent sleeping so that the
bed is associated with sleep and no other
competing activities.
Sleep stress environmental events,
such as ingesting excess caffeine that can
affect sleep negatively.
Sleep terrors episodes of apparent
awakening from sleep, accompanied by
signs of panic, followed by disorientation
and amnesia for the incident. These occur
during nonrapid eye movement sleep and
so do not involve frightening dreams.
Sleepwalking parasomnia that involves
leaving the bed during nonrapid eye
movement sleep.
Smooth-pursuit eye movement
ability to follow moving targets visually.
Deficits in this skill can be caused by a
single gene whose location is known. This
problem is associated with schizophrenia
and, thus, may serve as a genetic marker
for this disorder; also called eye-tracking.
Social anxiety disorder (also called
social phobia) Extreme, enduring, irrational
fear and avoidance of social or performance
situations
Somatic delusions false and
unfounded beliefs about the body that parts
are rotting or turning to stone
Somatic nervous system part of the
peripheral nervous system that controls
muscle movement
Somatic symptom disorder
(previously known as somatization disorder)
Disorder involving extreme and long-lasting
focus on multiple physical symptoms for
which no medical cause is evident.
Somatic symptom disorders
(previously known as somatoform disorders)
Pathological concern of individuals with the
appearance or functioning of their bodies,
usually in the absence of any identifiable
medical condition
Somnambulism repeated sleepwalking
that occurs during nonrapid eye movement
sleep and so is not the acting out of a
dream. The person is difficult to waken and
does not recall the experience.
Specific learning disorder
neurodevelopmental disorder characterized
by academic performance that is
substantially below what would be expected
given the persons age, intelligence quotient
(IQ) score, and education.
Specific phobia unreasonable fear of a
specific object or situation that markedly
interferes with daily life functioning.
Standardization process of establishing
specific norms and requirements for a
measurement technique to ensure it is used
consistently across measurement
occasions. This includes instructions for
administering the measure, evaluating its
findings, and comparing these to data for
large numbers of people.
Stanford-Binet test early standardized
intelligence test designed to identify children
who will experience academic difficulties by
assessing their attention, perception,
reasoning, and comprehension.
Statistical significance probability that
obtaining the observed research findings
merely by chance is small
Statistics branch of mathematics
concerned with gathering, analyzing, and
interpreting data from research.
Stimulants psychoactive substances
that elevate mood, activity, and alertness,
including amphetamines, caffeine, cocaine,
and nicotine
Stimulus control deliberate
arrangement of the environment so that it
encourages desired behaviors and
discourages problem behaviors.
Stress bodys physiological response to
a stressor, which is any event or change
that requires adaptation.
Stress hormones group of hormones,
including corticosteroids, involved in the
bodys physiological stress response.
Stress physiology study of the bodys
response to stressful events.
Stroke/cerebral vascular accident
(CVA) temporary blockage of blood
vessels supplying the brain, or a rupture of
vessels in the brain, resulting in temporary
or permanent loss of brain functioning.
Stuttering disturbance in the fluency and
time patterning of speech
Subcortical neurocognitive disorder
disease resulting from HIV that affects the
inner areas of the brain below the cortex; it
involves impaired recall but normal
recognition, more severe depression and
anxiety, slowed motions, and impaired
coordination but no aphasia.
Sublimation psychodynamic defense
mechanism in which the person redirects
energy from conflict and anxiety into more
constructive outlets, such as work.
Substance abuse pattern of
psychoactive substance use leading to
significant distress or impairment in social
and occupational roles and in hazardous
situations
Substance dependence maladaptive
pattern of substance use characterized by
the need for increased amounts to achieve
the desired effect, negative physical effects
when the substance is withdrawn,
unsuccessful efforts to control its use, and
substantial effort expended to seek it or
recover from its effects; also known as
addiction
Substance intoxication physiological
reactions, such as impaired judgment and
motor ability, as well as mood changes,
resulting from the ingestion of psychoactive
substances
Substance-induced psychotic
disorder psychosis caused by the
ingestion of medications, psychoactive
drugs, or toxins.
Suicidal attempts efforts made to kill
oneself
Suicidal ideation serious thoughts
about committing suicide
Suicidal plans the formulation of a
specific method of killing oneself.
Superego in psychoanalysis, the
psychical entity representing the
internalized moral principles of parents and
society
Supernatural model explanation of
human behavior and its dysfunction that
posits important roles for spirits, demons,
grace, sin, and so on.
Susceptibility in genetics, genes that
only slightly increase the risk of developing
the disorder, but in contrast to the
deterministic genes, these are more
common in the general population.
Sympathetic nervous system part of
the autonomic nervous system that
prepares the body for activity or to respond
to stressors by increasing heart rate and
blood flow to muscles, for instance
Symptom substitution psychodynamic
assertion that if overt problem behavior (the
symptom) is treated without eliminating the
underlying conflict thought to be causing it,
that conflict will reemerge in the form of
new, perhaps worse, symptoms.
Synaptic cleft space between nerve
cells where chemical transmitters act to
move impulses from one neuron to the
next.
Systematic desensitization
behavioral therapy technique to diminish
excessive fears, involving gradual exposure
to the feared stimulus paired with a positive
coping experience, usually relaxation.
T Temporal lobe section of each cerebral
T cells lymphocytes produced in bone
marrow, developed in the thymus gland,
and operating in the cellular branch of the
immune system.
Tacrine hydrochloride medication for
patients with Alzheimers disease that
prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine,
keeping it available for use by the brain;
improvements are small, and the drug is
expensive and causes serious side effects.
Taijin kyofusho Japanese variant of
social phobia; in many cases, individuals
avoid social interaction because they
believe they have terrible body or breath
odor.
Tangentiality characteristic of the loose
cognitive and verbal associations seen in
schizophrenia in which the person fails to
answer questions and quickly moves the
conversation to unrelated topics.
Tardive dyskinesia extrapyramidal
symptom and sometimes irreversible side
effect of long-term neuroleptic medication,
involving involuntary motor movements,
especially in the face and tongue
Task analysis method for evaluating a
skill to be learned, breaking it down into its
component parts.
Taxonomy system of naming and
classification in science.
Telephone Scatologia paraphilia in
which the person gains sexual gratification
by making obscene phone calls, usually
while masturbating
hemisphere associated primarily with sight
and sound recognition and with long-term
memory storage.
Temporal patterning course modifier
for mood disorders describing their time
sequences, including recurrence, recovery,
and alternation
Tension reduction negative
reinforcement motivation account for
substance abuse, suggesting it is
maintained because it allows people to
escape anxiety.
Testretest reliability degree to which
results of two administrations of a test to the
same person are similar
Testability ability of a hypothesis to be
subjected to scientific scrutiny and to be
accepted or rejected, a necessary condition
for the hypothesis to be useful.
Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) most
common active chemicals in marijuana
responsible for its ability to alter mood and
behavior.
Thalamus small region deep inside the
brain broadly associated with regulation of
behavior and emotion.
Thanatos Freudian concept of a human
drive toward death and destruction
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
projective test in which the respondent is
asked to tell stories about a series of
ambiguous drawings.
Tic disorder disruption in early
development involving involuntary motor
movements or vocalizations.
Tics sudden, rapid, and recurrent
involuntary motor movements or
vocalizations.
Time-limited course condition in which
a disorder improves on its own in a
relatively brief period
Tolerance need for increased amounts
of a substance to achieve the desired effect,
and a diminished effect with continued use
of the same amount.
Total sleep time actual combined time
a person spends sleeping each day.
Tourettes disorder developmental
disorder featuring multiple dysfunctional
motor and vocal tics
Transcendental meditation technique
for focusing attention by softly repeating a
single syllable; often accompanied by slow
and regular breathing
Transference psychoanalytic concept
suggesting that clients may seek to relate to
the therapist as they do to important
authority figures, particularly their parents.
Transinstitutionalization movement of
people with severe mental illness from large
psychiatric hospitals to smaller group
residences
Transsexualism obsolete term for
gender dysphoria.
Transvestic disorder paraphilia in
which individuals, usually males, are
sexually aroused or receive gratification by
wearing clothing of the opposite sex.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) brain
damage caused by a blow to the head or
other trauma that injures the brain and
results in diminished neurocognitive
capacity.
Triazolam short-acting benzodiazepine
medication (trade name Halcion) used to
treat insomnia. Possible negative side
effects include drowsiness, dependence,
short-term memory loss, or rebound.
Trichotillomania peoples urge to pull
out their own hair from anywhere on the
body, including the scalp, eyebrows, and
arm.
Tricyclic antidepressants most
common treatment for depression, a group
of medications that block the reuptake of
neurotransmitters, principally serotonin and
norepinephrine, at the synapse; the drugs
are effective for some anxiety disorders and
mood disorders. They are also used to treat
obstructive sleep apnea because they help
maintain respiratory muscle tone to assist
breathing during rapid eye movement sleep.
Type A behavior pattern cluster of
behaviors including excessive
competitiveness, time pressured
impatience, accelerated speech, and anger,
originally thought to promote high risk for
heart disease.
Type B behavior pattern cluster of
behaviors including a relaxed attitude,
indifference to time pressure, and less
forceful ambition; originally thought to
promote low risk for heart disease.
U placed at the base of the penis.
Unconditional positive regard
acceptance by the counselor of the clients
feelings and actions without judgment or
condemnation
Unconditioned response (UCR) in
classical conditioning, the natural or
unlearned reaction to the unconditioned
stimulus
Unconditioned stimulus (UCS)
environmental event that would elicit a
response in almost anyone and requires no
learning; in classical conditioning, it is
paired with a neutral stimulus that, after
training, may become a conditioned
stimulus.
Unconscious part of the psychic
makeup that is outside the awareness of the
person.
Underarousal hypothesis theory of
the etiology of antisocial personality
disorder suggesting psychopaths engage in
dangerous or illicit behavior to stimulate the
under-aroused cerebral cortex in their
brains.
Unipolar mood disorder mood
disorder characterized by depression or
mania but not both
V Voyeuristic
Vacuum device therapy mechanical
treatment for male erectile disorder that
employs a vacuum cylinder to draw blood
into the penis, where it is held by a ring
Vaginal photoplethysmograph light-
sensitive psychophysiological monitoring
device that measures female sexual arousal
reflected by blood flow to the vagina
Vaginismus recurring involuntary
muscle spasms in the outer third of the
vagina that interfere with sexual intercourse.
Validity degree to which a technique
measures what it purports to measure.
Variability degree of change in a
phenomenon over time.
Vascular pertaining to the vessels that
transport blood and other fluids in the body.
Vascular neurocognitive disorder
progressive brain disorder involving loss of
cognitive functioning, caused by blockage of
blood flow to the brain that appears
concurrently with other neurological signs
and symptoms
Vasovagal syncope fainting because
of low blood pressure in the head and brain
Vinvusa Nigerian variant of dissociative
trance states
Visuospatial skills ability to see,
recognize, orient within, and negotiate
between objects in space.
disorder paraphilic
disorder in which sexual arousal is derived
from observing unsuspecting individuals X-linked gene a gene on the X
undressing or naked chromosome

Vulnerability susceptibility or tendency

to develop a disorder
Y
Y chromosome one of the two sex
W chromosomes that determine gender; its
presence, contributed by the father,
Waxy flexibility characteristic of determines the offspring will be male.
catatonia in which the person remains in
bodily postures positioned by another YerkesDodson curve inverted U-
person shaped graphical relationship between
arousal and performance; psychopaths may
WernickeKorsakoff syndrome engage in stimulus- seeking behavior to
organic brain syndrome resulting from increase their low arousal to more useful
prolonged heavy alcohol use, involving levels.
confusion, unintelligible speech, and loss of
motor coordination; it may be caused by a
deficiency of thiamine, a vitamin
metabolized poorly by heavy drinkers.

Withdrawal severely negative

physiological reaction to removal of a
psychoactive substance, which can be
alleviated by the same or a similar
substance.

Withdrawal delirium (delirium

tremens/DTs) frightening hallucinations
and body tremors that result when a heavy
drinker withdraws from alcohol

X
X chromosome one of the two sex
chromosomes that determine gender;
females have two and males have one,
contributed by the mother. X chromosome
abnormalities are implicated in some
physical and cognitive problems.