a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

the study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, etiology (i.e., their causes), and treatment. can also refer to the manifestation of a psychological disorder.

model of psychological disorders resulting from the inability of an internal mechanism to perform its natural function.

The belief that everyone and everything had a “soul” and that mental illness was due to animistic causes, for example, evil spirits controlling an individual and his/her behavior.

A place of refuge or safety established to confine and care for the mentally ill; forerunners of the mental hospital or psychiatric facility.

A model in which the interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors is seen as influencing the development of the individual.

A therapeutic procedure introduced by Breuer and developed further by Freud in the late 19th century whereby a patient gains insight and emotional relief from recalling and reliving traumatic events.

The idea that cultural norms and values of a society can only be understood on their own terms or in their own context.

The causal description of all of the factors that contribute to the development of a disorder or illness.

A belief held by ancient Greek and Roman physicians (and until the 19th century) that an excess or deficiency in any of the four bodily fluids, or humors—blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm—directly affected their health and temperament.

Term used by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians to describe a disorder believed to be caused by a woman’s uterus wandering throughout the body and interfering with other organs (today referred to as conversion disorder, in which psychological problems are expressed in physical form).

Term referring to behaviors that cause people who have them physical or emotional harm, prevent them from functioning in daily life, and/or indicate that they have lost touch with reality and/or cannot control their thoughts and behavior (also called dysfunctional).

Derived from Franz Anton Mesmer in the late 18th century, an early version of hypnotism in which Mesmer claimed that hysterical symptoms could be treated through animal magnetism emanating from Mesmer’s body and permeating the universe (and later through magnets); later explained in terms of high suggestibility in individuals.

Developing from psychological origins.

Developing from physical/bodily origins.

Developing from origins beyond the visible observable universe.

Involving a particular group of signs and symptoms.

A therapeutic regimen of improved nutrition, living conditions, and rewards for productive behavior that has been attributed to Philippe Pinel during the French Revolution, when he released mentally ill patients from their restraints and treated them with compassion and dignity rather than with contempt and denigration.

The drilling of a hole in the skull, presumably as a way of treating psychological disorders.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is a handbook used by health care professionals in the USA and world as the authoritative guide to diagnosis of mental disorders.

The American Psychological Association is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the USA, with more than 121,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members.