Psychiatry

The medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and emotional disorders.

 

Psychiatrist:

A medical doctor specialized in psychiatry, capable of assessing mental health, providing therapy, and prescribing medication when necessary.

 

Mental Health:

The overall well-being of an individual’s mind, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social aspects.

 

Diagnosis:

The identification and classification of a mental health disorder based on symptoms, behaviors, and clinical assessment.

 

Mood Disorders:

Mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder, characterized by disturbances in mood regulation.

 

Anxiety Disorders:

Conditions marked by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.

 

Psychopharmacology:

The study of the effects of medications on mental processes, emotions, and behavior, crucial in psychiatric treatment.

 

Neurotransmitters:

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells, influencing mood, cognition, and behavior.

 

Antipsychotic Medications:

Drugs used to manage symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions, often prescribed for conditions like schizophrenia.

 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):

A class of antidepressant medications that increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, commonly prescribed for mood disorders.

 

Cognitive Distortions:

Irrational or negative thought patterns that contribute to mental health issues, a focus in cognitive-behavioral therapy.

ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy):

A medical treatment for severe mental illnesses involving the controlled induction of a seizure to alleviate symptoms.