Mental Health Glossary
Learn the language of mental health with clear, practical explanations of common terms, diagnoses, and concepts.
Learn the language of mental health with clear, practical explanations of common terms, diagnoses, and concepts.
Understanding Mental Health
A quiet place to learn, reflect, and make sense of what you're experiencing.
A note about this glossary: This is designed to help you understand common mental health terms, diagnoses, and concepts in plain language. It is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical, psychiatric, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions or concerns about your mental health, consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional.
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What is it?
Acute dystonia involves sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can cause unusual or painful movements or postures. It may affect the neck, jaw, eyes, tongue, or — less commonly — the throat muscles.What causes it?
Acute dystonia is most commonly caused by antipsychotic medications, though it can occur with some other medications as well. It typically develops within hours or days of starting a medication or increasing the dose. Risk can be higher with certain medications and doses, and in some people based on individual factors such as younger age or male sex.Why it matters
Acute dystonia can be painful, frightening, and disorienting when it occurs. In some cases — particularly when it affects the throat or muscles involved in breathing — it can be a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Seek urgent medical attention if dystonia affects breathing or swallowing, or if symptoms are severe.Common misconception
Acute dystonia isn't simply muscle tension or anxiety. It involves involuntary muscle contractions that can cause unusual or sustained movements or postures — such as a twisted neck, jaw clenching, eye movements, or muscle spasms.Related terms: EPS · Antipsychotics · Bipolar Disorder · Schizophrenia · Schizoaffective Disorder · Akathisia · Tardive Dyskinesia
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What is it?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, executive function, impulse control, motivation, and activity regulation. It can look different from person to person and may affect how someone starts, organizes, and follows through with everyday tasks.Types of ADHD
ADHD is classified into three presentations:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation — difficulty with sustained attention, organization, working memory, following through, and staying focused on tasks that aren't highly engaging.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation — symptoms primarily involving restlessness, excessive activity, impulsivity, difficulty waiting, or acting without fully considering consequences.
Combined Presentation — includes a significant number of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Why it matters
ADHD can affect work, relationships, time management, emotional regulation, and daily responsibilities. Understanding ADHD can help separate symptoms from assumptions about motivation, effort, or character.Common misconception
ADHD isn't simply an inability to pay attention. Many people with ADHD can focus intensely on things that are interesting or stimulating while struggling to direct attention toward less engaging tasks.Related terms: Executive Function · Hyperfocus · Task Initiation · Working Memory · Neurodivergence
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What is it?
Adjustment Disorder is a mental health condition involving significant emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor or life change. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, irritability, or difficulty functioning.Why it matters
Adjustment difficulties can occur after events such as relationship changes, job loss, relocation, illness, or other major life stressors. Understanding the connection between the stressor and symptoms can help guide treatment.Common misconception
Adjustment Disorder doesn't mean someone is simply "overreacting" to a difficult situation. The emotional response can be significant and can interfere with daily functioning.Related terms: Anxiety · Depression · Stress · Trauma · Coping
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What is it?
Akathisia is a feeling of inner restlessness accompanied by a strong urge or need to move. Someone may pace, shift positions, rock, or feel unable to sit still.What causes it?
Akathisia is most commonly associated with certain medications, particularly antipsychotics, but it can also occur with some antidepressants and other medications. It may develop after starting a medication, increasing the dose, or sometimes reducing or stopping a medication. The risk varies depending on the medication, dose, and individual.Why it matters
Akathisia can be extremely uncomfortable and may be mistaken for anxiety, agitation, or worsening psychiatric symptoms. Recognizing the connection to medication can be important.Common misconception
Akathisia isn't simply being restless or having extra energy. The experience often involves an uncomfortable internal sense of needing to move.Related terms: EPS · Antipsychotics · Bipolar Disorder · Schizophrenia · Schizoaffective Disorder · Akathisia · Tardive Dyskinesia
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What is it?
Analysis paralysis describes becoming so caught up in evaluating options, information, or possible outcomes that making a decision or taking action becomes difficult.Why it matters
It can contribute to procrastination, overwhelm, indecision, and difficulty getting started. It may be especially noticeable when a decision feels important or when there are too many choices.Common misconception
Analysis paralysis isn't simply being thoughtful or careful. The difficulty comes when continued analysis stops being useful and begins preventing action.Related terms: Executive Function · Anxiety · Rumination · Task Initiation · Cognitive Load
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What is it?
Anhedonia is a reduced ability to experience pleasure, interest, or enjoyment from activities that someone would normally find rewarding.Why it matters
Anhedonia is commonly associated with depression but can occur in other mental health conditions as well. It can affect hobbies, relationships, motivation, and a person's sense of connection to everyday life.Common misconception
Anhedonia isn't simply "not wanting to do anything." Someone may want to enjoy an activity but find that the usual sense of pleasure or reward isn't there.Related terms: Depression · Dopamine · Avolition · Motivation
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Anosognosia — an-oh-sog-NOH-see-uh
What is it?
Anosognosia is a lack of awareness or recognition of one's own illness or symptoms that results from changes in brain functioning. It is different from simply refusing to acknowledge a diagnosis.Why it matters
Anosognosia can occur with certain psychiatric and neurological conditions and may affect someone's ability to recognize that they need treatment or support.Common misconception
Anosognosia isn't the same as denial, stubbornness, or intentionally refusing treatment. The person may genuinely have difficulty recognizing the condition.Related terms: Insight · Bipolar Disorder · Schizophrenia · Self-Monitoring
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What are they?
Antipsychotics are a class of medications used to treat psychosis and other psychiatric conditions. They are commonly used in conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder, and some are also used for other mental health symptoms.Types of antipsychotics include:
First-Generation Antipsychotics (Typical) — an older group of antipsychotic medications that primarily block dopamine receptors. Examples include haloperidol (Haldol), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), and chlorpromazine (Thorazine).
Second-Generation Antipsychotics (Atypical) — a newer group that generally affect dopamine and serotonin receptors. Examples include aripiprazole (Abilify), brexpiprazole (Rexulti), cariprazine (Vraylar), quetiapine (Seroquel), risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa), lurasidone (Latuda), ziprasidone (Geodon), clozapine (Clozaril), and asenapine (Saphris).
Why they matter
Antipsychotics can reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, severe agitation, and disorganized thinking. Some are also used to treat or prevent mood episodes in bipolar disorder and may be used for other conditions depending on the medication.Common misconception
Being prescribed an antipsychotic doesn't necessarily mean someone has schizophrenia or is experiencing psychosis. These medications have several clinical uses, including treatment of bipolar disorder and, for some medications, depression or anxiety-related symptoms.Related terms: Psychosis · Hallucinations · Delusions · Bipolar Disorder · Schizophrenia · Schizoaffective Disorder · EPS · Tardive Dyskinesia · Akathisia
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What is it?
Anxiety is a common emotional and physical response to perceived threat, uncertainty, or stress. It can involve worry, fear, physical tension, increased alertness, and changes in sleep or concentration. When anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, or significantly interferes with daily life, it may be part of an anxiety disorder.Why it matters
When anxiety becomes persistent, difficult to control, or begins interfering with sleep, relationships, work, or daily life, it may be part of an anxiety disorder.Common misconception
Anxiety isn't "just worrying." It can involve physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, restlessness, gastrointestinal symptoms, and heightened alertness.Related terms: Autonomic Arousal · Catastrophizing · Hypervigilance · Racing Thoughts · Rumination
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What is it?
Alcohol Use Disorder is a type of Substance Use Disorder involving problematic alcohol use that causes significant impairment or distress. It can range from mild to severe.Why it matters
AUD can affect mood, sleep, relationships, physical health, and daily functioning. Alcohol can also interact with psychiatric medications and may worsen symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, or other conditions.Common misconception
AUD isn't defined simply by how often someone drinks or whether they drink every day. The diagnosis is based on patterns of use and their impact on a person's life and ability to control drinking.Related terms: Substance Use Disorder · Addiction · Tolerance · Withdrawal · Depression · Anxiety
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What is it?
Autonomic arousal refers to activation of the body's autonomic nervous system, which regulates functions such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and digestion.Why it matters
Stress, anxiety, fear, trauma, and excitement can all increase autonomic arousal. This can produce physical sensations such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, or feeling "on edge."Common misconception
Physical symptoms of anxiety are not imaginary. They reflect real changes in the body's nervous system.Related terms: Anxiety · Hypervigilance · Fight-or-Flight Response · Grounding · Mindfulness · Beta-Blockers
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What is it?
Avolition refers to a significant reduction in motivation or ability to initiate and carry out purposeful activities. It goes beyond simply choosing not to do something.Why it matters
Avolition can affect self-care, work, school, relationships, and everyday responsibilities. It can occur in several psychiatric conditions.Common misconception
Avolition isn't the same as laziness. Someone experiencing it may want to act but have difficulty generating or sustaining the motivation to do so.Related terms: Motivation · Task Initiation · Depression · Executive Function · Anhedonia
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What are they?
Beta-blockers are medications that reduce the effects of adrenaline on the body by blocking beta receptors. They are commonly used for cardiovascular conditions and can sometimes help reduce physical symptoms associated with anxiety.Why it matters
Beta-blockers primarily affect physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shaking, and sweating rather than anxious thoughts themselves.Common misconception
Beta-blockers are not generally considered primary medications for anxiety disorders. Their usefulness depends on the symptoms and the individual.Related terms: Anxiety · Autonomic Arousal · Norepinephrine · Stimulants
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What are they?
Benzodiazepines are medications that enhance the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter involved in calming brain activity. They may be prescribed for short-term treatment of severe anxiety, panic, insomnia, or certain other conditions.Why it matters
They can work quickly but may cause sedation, impaired coordination, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Their risks and benefits need to be carefully considered.Common misconception
Because benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety quickly, they aren't necessarily the best long-term treatment for anxiety disorders.Related terms: Anxiety · GABA · Insomnia · Autonomic Arousal
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What is it?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder involving episodes of depression and periods of unusually elevated or activated mood. Bipolar I involves at least one manic episode, while Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes without a history of mania.Why it matters
The distinction matters because mania and hypomania differ in severity and impact, and treatment planning depends on the specific pattern of mood episodes.Common misconception
Bipolar disorder isn't simply having frequent mood swings. Mood episodes are more sustained changes in mood, energy, activity, and functioning.Related terms: Mania · Hypomania · Depression · Mood Stabilizers · Flight of Ideas · Antipsychotics · Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
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What is it?
Box breathing is a paced breathing technique in which you inhale, hold, exhale, and hold again for equal periods of time. A common pattern is four counts for each step.
The 4-4-4-4 RuleHow to do it
Inhale: Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds.
Hold : Gently hold that breath for 4 seconds.
Exhale: Release the air slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Hold: Rest with empty lungs for 4 seconds before your next breath.
Tip: Repeat the four-part cycle for three to five minutes, or about four full boxes in one sitting.
Practice in a quiet, comfortable seated position with your feet flat on the floor if you are new to the exercise.
Stop immediately if you feel dizzy or short of breath.
Why it matters
Slowing and regulating breathing can help bring attention to the present moment and may reduce physical arousal during periods of stress.Common misconception
Box breathing isn't a cure for anxiety or panic. It is a coping tool that may help regulate the body's stress response.Related terms: Grounding • Mindfulness • Autonomic Arousal • 5-4-3-2-1 Method
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What is it?
Burnout is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion associated with prolonged or excessive stress, particularly when demands consistently exceed available resources.Why it matters
Burnout can affect concentration, motivation, sleep, mood, productivity, and relationships. It is especially common when there is ongoing pressure without adequate recovery.Common misconception
Burnout isn't simply being tired after a busy week. It tends to develop over time and can involve a deeper sense of depletion and reduced capacity.Related terms: Stress · Depression · Digital Overload · Cognitive Load · Circadian Rhythm
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What is it?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It often teaches practical strategies for changing unhelpful patterns.Why it matters
CBT can be helpful for conditions including anxiety and depression and can provide skills that people can continue using outside of therapy.Common misconception
CBT isn't about simply "thinking positively." It involves examining patterns, testing assumptions, changing behaviors, and developing more flexible ways of responding.Related terms: Cognitive Distortions · Catastrophizing · Rumination · Cognitive Flexibility · Mindfulness
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Circadian — sur-KAY-dee-an
What is it?
Your circadian rhythm is the body's internal roughly 24-hour timing system that helps regulate sleep and wakefulness, hormone release, body temperature, alertness, and other biological processes.Why it matters
Light exposure, sleep timing, meals, activity, and other environmental cues help regulate the circadian rhythm. Disruption can affect sleep, energy, mood, and concentration.Common misconception
Circadian rhythm isn't simply a sleep schedule. It is a broader biological system that influences many functions throughout the day.Related terms: Sleep · Insomnia · Light Therapy · Sleep Hygiene · Women’s Mental Health
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What are they?
Cognitive distortions are common patterns of thinking that can lead someone to interpret situations in inaccurate, overly negative, or rigid ways.Why they matter
Everyone experiences unhelpful thinking patterns sometimes. When they become frequent or strongly influence emotions and behavior, they can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other difficulties.Common misconception
Having a cognitive distortion doesn't mean someone's thoughts are "stupid" or irrational. These patterns are common human tendencies that can become more pronounced under stress.Related terms: Catastrophizing · Cognitive Behavioral Therapy · Rumination · Cognitive Flexibility
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What is it?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma, particularly when a person has experienced ongoing situations that are difficult or impossible to escape. In addition to symptoms of PTSD, C-PTSD can involve persistent difficulties with emotional regulation, self-concept, and relationships.Why it matters
Understanding the effects of prolonged trauma can help explain patterns involving emotional regulation, relationships, self-worth, and a sense of safety. Treatment can address both trauma-related symptoms and these broader effects.Common misconception
C-PTSD isn't simply "more severe PTSD." While the conditions overlap, C-PTSD includes additional areas of difficulty beyond the core PTSD symptoms.Related terms: PTSD · Trauma · Dissociation · Emotional Dysregulation · Hypervigilance · Grounding
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What is it?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.Why it matters
DBT can help people manage intense emotions, navigate relationships, tolerate distress, and respond more effectively during difficult moments.Common misconception
DBT isn't only for people with borderline personality disorder. Its skills can be useful for many people experiencing emotional or interpersonal difficulties.Related terms: Emotional Dysregulation · Emotional Regulation · Mindfulness · Grounding
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What is it?
Delusions are strongly held beliefs that are not supported by evidence and remain difficult to change even when there is clear evidence to the contrary.Common themes of delusions may include:
Persecution — believing that someone is watching, following, threatening, spying on, or trying to harm you.
Example: Believing that your neighbors are secretly monitoring you even though there is no evidence that they are.Grandiosity — believing that you have exceptional abilities, importance, power, wealth, or a special identity that is not supported by reality.
Example: Believing you have a unique ability to control world events or that you have been chosen for a special mission.Jealousy — having a fixed belief that a partner is being unfaithful despite a lack of evidence.
Example: Being convinced that your partner is secretly having an affair despite no reliable evidence of infidelity.Reference — believing that ordinary events, objects, conversations, or media contain special messages specifically intended for you.
Example: Believing that a television news anchor is sending you a personal message through the broadcast.Special personal meaning — believing that ordinary events, objects, conversations, or things in the media have a specific personal meaning or message intended for you.
Example: Believing that a song playing on the radio was chosen specifically to send you a personal message.
Why it matters
Delusions can affect how someone interprets situations, makes decisions, and interacts with others. They can occur as part of psychosis and may be associated with conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.Common misconception
A delusion isn't simply having an unusual belief, being stubborn, or disagreeing with others. The key feature is that the belief is held with strong conviction despite evidence that contradicts it.Related terms: Psychosis · Hallucinations · Schizophrenia · Schizoaffective Disorder · Bipolar Disorder · Paranoia
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What is it?
Depersonalization is a sense of feeling detached from yourself, your body, thoughts, or emotions. Someone may describe feeling as though they are observing themselves from the outside or that they don't feel fully connected to themselves.Why it matters
Depersonalization can occur during periods of intense stress, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions. It can be unsettling, particularly when the experience is unfamiliar.Common misconception
Depersonalization doesn't necessarily mean someone is losing touch with reality. A person often recognizes that the experience feels unusual, even while it is happening.Related terms: Dissociation · Derealization · Anxiety · Trauma · Grounding
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What is it?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly called depression, is a mental health condition involving persistent changes in mood, interest, motivation, thinking, and physical functioning. It can affect sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and relationships.Why it matters
Depression can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. It is treatable, and treatment may include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.Common misconception
Depression isn't simply sadness or a lack of willpower. Someone can be depressed even when their life appears to be going well.Related terms: Anhedonia · Avolition · MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) · Mood · Sleep · Women’s Mental Health
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What is it?
Derealization is a sense that the surrounding world feels unreal, dreamlike, distant, or somehow unfamiliar.Why it matters
Derealization can occur during intense anxiety, panic, stress, trauma, or other conditions. Understanding the experience can make it less frightening and easier to describe to a healthcare professional.Common misconception
Derealization does not necessarily mean someone is experiencing psychosis. A person often knows that the world hasn't literally changed, even though it feels different.Related terms: Dissociation · Depersonalization · Anxiety · Panic Attack · Grounding
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What is it?
Digital overload occurs when the amount of information, notifications, messages, media, and digital demands we encounter becomes difficult to process or manage.Why it matters
Constant digital stimulation can contribute to distraction, mental fatigue, difficulty transitioning between tasks, and reduced ability to sustain attention.Common misconception
Digital overload isn't simply "using your phone too much." The issue can also involve the volume, frequency, and fragmented nature of digital information.Related terms: Digital Wellness · Cognitive Load · Sustained Attention · ADHD · Dopamine
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What is it?
Digital wellness refers to using technology in ways that support rather than undermine mental, physical, and emotional well-being.Why it matters
Healthy digital habits can support sleep, attention, relationships, productivity, and recovery from constant stimulation.Common misconception
Digital wellness doesn't mean avoiding technology. It means becoming more intentional about how, when, and why you use it.Related terms: Digital Overload · Circadian Rhythm · Sustained Attention · Mindfulness
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What is it?
Dissociation describes a sense of disconnection from thoughts, feelings, memories, surroundings, or a sense of self. Mild forms can happen during stress, while more significant dissociation can occur with trauma and certain mental health conditions.Why it matters
Dissociation can affect memory, concentration, emotional awareness, and a person's sense of connection to themselves or their surroundings.Common misconception
Dissociation isn't always dramatic or obvious. It can be as subtle as feeling detached, "checked out," or as though things are happening around you rather than fully experiencing them.Related terms: Depersonalization · Derealization · Trauma · Grounding · Mindfulness
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What is it?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward learning, movement, attention, and several other brain functions.Why it matters
Dopamine helps the brain determine what is worth pursuing and reinforces behaviors through learning and reward. It is involved in many psychiatric and neurological conditions.Common misconception
Dopamine isn't simply the "pleasure chemical." Its role is much broader and includes motivation, learning, salience, and movement.Related terms: Neurotransmitter · ADHD · Motivation · Stimulants · Anhedonia
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What is it?
Drug-induced parkinsonism refers to movement symptoms caused by certain medications that can resemble those seen in Parkinson's disease. Symptoms may include muscle stiffness, slowed movement, tremor, or reduced facial expression.Why it matters
These symptoms can affect movement and daily functioning. Recognizing that they may be medication-related can help guide treatment decisions.Common misconception
Drug-induced parkinsonism does not necessarily mean someone has Parkinson's disease. The symptoms can be related to medication effects.Drug-Induced Parkinsonism
Related terms: EPS · Antipsychotics · Bipolar Disorder · Schizophrenia · Schizoaffective Disorder · Tremor · Muscle Rigidity · Tardive Dyskinesia
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What is it?
Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty managing the intensity, duration, or expression of emotional responses. Emotions may feel especially strong, come on quickly, or take longer than expected to settle.Why it matters
Emotional dysregulation can affect relationships, decision-making, stress tolerance, and daily functioning. It can occur with ADHD, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and other conditions.Common misconception
Emotional dysregulation isn't the same as being dramatic or overly sensitive. The experience can involve genuine difficulty regulating a strong nervous-system response.Related terms: ADHD · Emotional Regulation · Hypervigilance · Mindfulness · DBT
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What is it?
Executive functions are mental skills that help us plan, organize, prioritize, initiate tasks, manage time, hold information in mind, control impulses, and adapt when circumstances change.Why it matters
Executive functioning affects many everyday activities, from getting ready in the morning to managing work, finances, relationships, and responsibilities.Common misconception
Executive function difficulties aren't simply a matter of being disorganized or not trying hard enough. These skills can vary depending on attention, stress, sleep, motivation, and neurological differences.Related terms: ADHD · Working Memory · Task Initiation · Planning & Prioritization · Inhibition
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What are they?
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are movement-related side effects that can occur with some medications, particularly antipsychotics. The four main types are:Acute dystonia — sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can cause unusual or sustained positions, often affecting the neck, eyes, jaw, or other muscles.
Akathisia — a feeling of inner restlessness or an inability to sit still, often accompanied by a strong urge to move.
Parkinsonism — medication-related symptoms that can resemble Parkinson's disease, such as muscle stiffness, tremor, slowed movement, or changes in posture.
Tardive dyskinesia — involuntary, repetitive movements that can develop after longer-term exposure to certain medications, often involving the mouth, tongue, face, or limbs.
Why they matter
Recognizing EPS is important because different types of movement symptoms may require different approaches to treatment or medication adjustments.Common misconception
EPS doesn't mean someone has Parkinson's disease. Some EPS can resemble Parkinsonian symptoms, but they are medication-related movement effects.Related terms: Antipsychotics · Typical Antipsychotics · Atypical Antipsychotics · Akathisia · Tardive Dyskinesia
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What is it?
The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a grounding exercise that uses the senses to bring attention back to the present moment. It typically involves identifying five things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.Why it matters
It can provide a simple way to redirect attention when someone feels overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from the present.Common misconception
Grounding exercises don't make difficult emotions disappear. They are tools for becoming more present and regulated while the emotion is happening.Related terms: Grounding · Mindfulness · Anxiety · Autonomic Arousal
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What is it?
Flight of ideas refers to rapidly shifting thoughts in which one idea leads quickly to another. The connections may be understandable but can make speech difficult to follow.Why it matters
Flight of ideas can occur during manic or hypomanic episodes and can be an important part of assessing changes in mood and thought patterns.Common misconception
Having many ideas or thinking quickly doesn't automatically mean someone is experiencing flight of ideas. The pattern is typically unusually rapid and difficult to interrupt or organize.Related terms: Mania · Hypomania · Pressured Speech · Racing Thoughts · Bipolar Disorder
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What is it?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive and difficult-to-control worry about multiple areas of life. The worry is persistent and is often accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or sleep disturbance.Why it matters
GAD can make it difficult to relax or feel safe even when there is no immediate threat. It can affect sleep, concentration, relationships, and everyday functioning.Common misconception
GAD isn't simply being a "worrier." The worry is typically persistent, difficult to control, and significant enough to interfere with daily life.Related terms: Anxiety · Rumination · Catastrophizing · Hypervigilance · Autonomic Arousal
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What is it?
Grounding refers to techniques that help bring attention back to the present moment, particularly during anxiety, emotional distress, dissociation, or overwhelm.Why it matters
Grounding can help create a sense of stability and present-moment awareness when thoughts or emotions feel consuming.Common misconception
Grounding isn't about ignoring or suppressing emotions. It can help someone become regulated enough to respond to those emotions more effectively.Related terms: Mindfulness · 5-4-3-2-1 Method · Anxiety · Dissociation · Hypervigilance
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What is it?
Hyperfocus describes a state of intense, sustained concentration on something highly interesting, rewarding, or engaging. The person may become less aware of time, surroundings, or other responsibilities.Why it matters
Hyperfocus is commonly associated with ADHD and can be both helpful and disruptive. It may support creativity and productivity while also making transitions or stopping difficult.Common misconception
Hyperfocus doesn't mean someone with ADHD can simply "focus when they want to." Attention in ADHD is often influenced strongly by interest, novelty, urgency, and reward.Related terms: ADHD · Dopamine · Sustained Attention · Time Management · Task Initiation
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What is it?
Hypervigilance is a state of heightened alertness in which someone is constantly scanning their environment for possible danger or signs of threat.Example: Someone who has experienced trauma may constantly scan their surroundings for signs of danger — noticing every unfamiliar sound, watching people's facial expressions closely, sitting where they can see the door, or feeling on edge even when they are in a safe environment.
Why it matters
It can occur with anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and chronic stress. Being constantly on guard can be exhausting and interfere with sleep, concentration, and relationships.Common misconception
Hypervigilance isn't simply being observant or cautious. It involves a heightened threat-monitoring state that can persist even when there is no immediate danger.Related terms: Anxiety · Autonomic Arousal · Trauma · Grounding · Dissociation
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What is it?
Hypomania is a distinct period of elevated, expansive, or unusually irritable mood accompanied by increased energy and activity. It is less severe than mania and does not cause the marked impairment, psychosis, or need for hospitalization that can occur with mania.Why it matters
Hypomania is a defining feature of Bipolar II disorder and can sometimes feel productive or positive, which may make it difficult to recognize.Common misconception
Hypomania isn't simply feeling happy, energetic, or productive. It involves a noticeable change from a person's usual functioning.Related terms: Bipolar Disorder · Mania · Flight of Ideas · Pressured Speech · Racing Thoughts
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What are they?
Hallucinations are sensory experiences that seem real but occur without an external stimulus. They can involve hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling, or tasting something that isn't actually present.Why they matter
Hallucinations can occur for many reasons, including psychosis, certain mental health conditions, medications, substance use, sleep deprivation, and some medical conditions. Understanding the context is important when evaluating them.Common misconception
Hallucinations aren't always auditory, and experiencing one doesn't automatically mean someone has schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.Related terms: Psychosis · Delusions · Schizophrenia · Schizoaffective Disorder · Dissociation
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What is it?
Response inhibition is the ability to pause, resist an automatic response, or stop an action when needed. It is an important component of executive function.Why it matters
Response inhibition helps with impulse control, decision-making, emotional responses, and staying focused on goals.Common misconception
Difficulty with inhibition isn't simply a lack of self-control. It can reflect differences in executive functioning, particularly in conditions such as ADHD.Related terms: Executive Function · ADHD · Impulse Control · Cognitive Flexibility · Task Initiation
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What is it?
In mental health, insight refers to a person's awareness and understanding of their symptoms, condition, and the impact those symptoms may have on their life.Why it matters
Insight can influence treatment decisions, willingness to seek support, and the ability to recognize changes in mental health.Common misconception
Insight isn't simply agreeing with a diagnosis. Someone may understand some aspects of their condition while having difficulty recognizing others.Related terms: Anosognosia · Self-Monitoring · Bipolar Disorder · Self-Awareness · Schizoaffective Disorder · Schizophrenia
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What is it?
Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting adequate restorative sleep despite having an opportunity to sleep. It can involve both nighttime symptoms and daytime effects.Common types of insomnia include:
Sleep-Onset Insomnia — difficulty falling asleep when you first go to bed.
Sleep-Maintenance Insomnia — difficulty staying asleep or returning to sleep after waking during the night.
Early-Morning Awakening (Terminal Insomnia) — waking earlier than intended and being unable to fall back asleep.
Mixed Insomnia — experiencing more than one pattern, such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
Why it matters
Poor sleep can affect mood, concentration, memory, energy, and emotional regulation. Persistent insomnia can also interact with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other conditions.How much sleep do adults need?
Most adults ages 18–60 should get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Sleep needs change across different stages of life, with older adults often requiring slightly less than younger adults.Common misconception
Insomnia isn't simply choosing to stay awake or having an occasional bad night. Chronic insomnia can continue even when someone has enough opportunity to sleep.Related terms: Circadian Rhythm · Sleep Hygiene · Anxiety · Depression · Light Therapy
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What are they?
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, unexpected thoughts, images, or urges that enter a person's mind without intention. They can be disturbing, frightening, or inconsistent with a person's values.Why they matter
Intrusive thoughts are common and can occur with anxiety, OCD, trauma, depression, and other conditions. The distress often comes from the meaning a person assigns to the thought rather than the thought itself.Common misconception
Having an intrusive thought doesn't mean you want to act on it or that it reflects who you are. Thoughts are not intentions, plans, or predictions.Related terms: OCD · Anxiety · Rumination · Cognitive Distortions · Mindfulness
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What is it?
Light therapy uses exposure to bright light at a specific intensity and timing to influence the body's circadian rhythm. It is commonly used for certain seasonal mood patterns and circadian rhythm disruptions.Why it matters
Light is one of the strongest signals for regulating the body's internal clock. Timing matters, so light therapy should be used appropriately for the intended purpose.Common recommendation
For seasonal affective disorder, a commonly recommended approach is:Use a 10,000-lux light box specifically designed for light therapy.
Use it in the morning, usually shortly after waking.
Use it for approximately 30–45 minutes daily, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Keep the light at the manufacturer's recommended distance — often around 16–24 inches, depending on the device.
Keep your eyes open, but don't stare directly into the light.
Choose a device that filters out UV light.
Please note: Light therapy isn't appropriate for everyone. People with certain eye conditions or those taking medications that increase sensitivity to light may need to use it under medical supervision.
Common misconception
Light therapy isn't simply sitting near any bright lamp. Therapeutic light devices have specific characteristics, and timing can affect the response.Related terms: Circadian Rhythm · Sleep Hygiene · Seasonal Affective Disorder · Women’s Mental Health
M
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What is it?
Mania is a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood accompanied by increased energy and activity. It can involve decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, and impaired judgment.Why it matters
A manic episode is a defining feature of Bipolar I disorder and can significantly impair functioning. Severe mania can require urgent psychiatric care or hospitalization.Common misconception
Mania isn't simply feeling energetic, happy, or productive. It involves a significant change from a person's usual state and can seriously affect judgment and functioning.Related terms: Bipolar Disorder · Hypomania · Flight of Ideas · Pressured Speech · Racing Thoughts · Antipsychotics
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What is it?
Masking refers to consciously or unconsciously hiding, suppressing, or compensating for traits, behaviors, or difficulties in order to fit social expectations or appear more typical.Example:
Someone with ADHD might work hard to appear organized and attentive in a meeting — carefully monitoring their facial expressions, taking extensive notes, or suppressing the urge to move around — even though maintaining that level of focus and self-monitoring takes significant effort.Why it matters
Masking can occur among neurodivergent people and may require significant mental effort. Over time, constantly monitoring or suppressing natural responses can contribute to exhaustion and distress.Common misconception
Masking doesn't mean someone is being fake. It can be an adaptation developed to navigate social expectations, avoid judgment, or feel accepted.Related terms: Neurodivergence · Neurotypical · ADHD · Stimming · Self-Monitoring
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What is it?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly called depression, is a mental health condition involving persistent changes in mood, interest, motivation, thinking, and physical functioning. It can affect sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and relationships.Why it matters
MDD can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and effective treatments include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.Common misconception
MDD isn't simply sadness or a lack of willpower. Someone can experience depression even when their life appears to be going well, and symptoms aren't always obvious to others.Related terms: Depression · Anhedonia · Avolition · Anxiety · Insomnia · PMDD · Women’s Mental Health
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What is it?
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment with openness and without immediately judging or reacting to the experience.Why it matters
Mindfulness can help develop awareness of thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behavioral patterns. It is used in several approaches to mental health treatment.Common misconception
Mindfulness doesn't mean emptying your mind or never having distracting thoughts. The practice is noticing what is happening and gently returning attention to the present.Related terms: Grounding · DBT · Cognitive Behavioral Therapy · Self-Monitoring · Emotional Regulation
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What are they?
Mood stabilizers are medications used primarily to help prevent or reduce significant mood episodes, particularly in bipolar disorder. Examples include lithium, lamotrigine (Lamictal), and certain other anticonvulsant medications.Why they matter
Mood stabilizers can help reduce mood instability and prevent future episodes. Different medications have different effects, monitoring requirements, and potential side effects.Common misconception
Mood stabilizers don't necessarily eliminate normal emotional changes. The goal is to reduce problematic mood episodes while preserving a healthy emotional range.Related terms: Bipolar Disorder · Mania · Hypomania · Depression · Atypical Antipsychotics
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What is it?
NDRI is a medication class that increases the availability of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by reducing their reuptake. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a commonly used NDRI.Why it matters
An NDRI is used to treat conditions such as depression and may have different effects and side-effect profiles than medications that primarily affect serotonin. Bupropion is also used off-label to help treat ADHD.Common misconception
NDRIs don't simply "increase dopamine." Their effects involve multiple brain systems and can vary from person to person.Related terms: Dopamine · Norepinephrine · Neurotransmitter · Depression · Stimulants
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What is it?
Neurodivergence describes differences in how a person's brain processes information, attention, sensory input, communication, or other aspects of functioning compared with what is considered typical.Why it matters
The term is often used to describe conditions such as ADHD and autism. It can provide a framework for understanding differences without automatically viewing them as deficits.Common misconception
Neurodivergence isn't a diagnosis itself, and it doesn't mean that every person with the same diagnosis experiences the world in the same way.Related terms: Neurotypical · ADHD · Masking · Stimming · Executive Function
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What is it?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate with one another. Examples include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA.Why it matters
Neurotransmitters are involved in many functions, including mood, attention, motivation, sleep, movement, and stress responses.Common misconception
Mental health isn't simply a matter of having "too much" or "too little" of one neurotransmitter. Brain chemistry is complex, and neurotransmitters interact with many other biological and environmental factors.Related terms: Dopamine · Serotonin · Norepinephrine · NDRIs · SNRIs
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What is it?
Neurotypical generally describes someone whose patterns of brain development, processing, and functioning fall within what is considered typical for their culture and context.Why it matters
The term is often used in discussions of neurodiversity to distinguish typical neurological functioning from neurodivergence.Common misconception
Neurotypical doesn't mean someone has no mental health concerns or is functioning perfectly. It refers specifically to neurological patterns, not overall mental health.Related terms: Neurodivergence · ADHD · Masking · Stimming
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What is it?
Norepinephrine is both a neurotransmitter and a hormone involved in alertness, attention, arousal, stress responses, and blood pressure regulation.Why it matters
Norepinephrine helps the brain and body respond to demands and maintain alertness. Medications that affect norepinephrine are used in the treatment of several psychiatric conditions.Common misconception
Norepinephrine isn't simply a "stress chemical." It has important roles in normal attention, alertness, and everyday functioning.Related terms: Neurotransmitter · Dopamine · NDRIs · SNRIs · Autonomic Arousal
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What is it?
OCD is a mental health condition involving unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges called obsessions and/or repetitive behaviors or mental acts called compulsions. Compulsions are often performed to reduce distress or prevent a feared outcome.Why it matters
OCD can be highly distressing and time-consuming and can interfere with daily life, relationships, and functioning.Common misconception
OCD isn't simply being neat, organized, or particular. The condition involves intrusive experiences and compulsive responses that can be difficult to control.Related terms: Anxiety · Intrusive Thoughts · Rumination · Cognitive Distortions · Mindfulness
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What is it?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that can include physical and emotional symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, chest discomfort, or a sense of impending danger.Why it matters
Panic attacks can feel frightening and may lead someone to avoid situations where they fear having another attack. They can occur with panic disorder as well as anxiety, trauma, or other conditions.Common misconception
A panic attack isn't "just in your head." The body's stress response can produce very real and intense physical sensations.Related terms: Anxiety · Autonomic Arousal · Hypervigilance · Grounding · Derealization
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What is it?
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels can fluctuate and menstrual cycles may change. Some people experience changes in mood, anxiety, sleep, cognition, or emotional regulation during this transition.Why it matters
Hormonal changes, sleep disruption, life stress, and previous mental health vulnerabilities can interact during perimenopause. Recognizing these connections can help women receive more appropriate support.Common misconception
Perimenopause isn't only about hot flashes and menstrual changes. Mental and cognitive symptoms can also be part of the experience.Related terms: Women’s Mental Health · PMDD · Circadian Rhythm · Insomnia · Depression
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What is it?
Planning involves deciding what needs to happen and determining the steps needed to accomplish it. Prioritization involves deciding what needs attention first based on importance, urgency, or available resources.Why it matters
Planning and prioritization are key executive functions. Difficulties can lead to feeling overwhelmed, spending too much time on low-priority tasks, or not knowing where to begin.Common misconception
Knowing what needs to be done doesn't always mean being able to organize the steps needed to do it.Related terms: Executive Function · Task Initiation · Time Management · ADHD
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What is it?
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual mood disorder involving significant emotional and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and improve after menstruation begins.Why it matters
PMDD can substantially affect mood, relationships, work, and daily functioning. It is different from typical premenstrual symptoms because of the severity and impact of the symptoms.Common misconception
PMDD isn't simply "bad PMS." The emotional symptoms can be severe and may include depression, irritability, anxiety, or marked mood changes.Related terms: Women’s Mental Health · Depression · Anxiety · Perimenopause
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What is it?
Pressured speech is unusually rapid, difficult-to-interrupt, or excessive speech that may occur when someone is experiencing increased mood or energy.Why it matters
Pressured speech can occur during manic or hypomanic episodes and may be an important change from a person's usual communication style.Common misconception
Talking quickly doesn't automatically mean someone has pressured speech. The pattern is usually noticeably increased, difficult to interrupt, and connected with other changes in mood or energy.Related terms: Mania · Hypomania · Flight of Ideas · Racing Thoughts · Bipolar Disorder
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What is it?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, changes in mood or thinking, and heightened alertness.Why it matters
PTSD can affect sleep, relationships, concentration, emotional regulation, and daily functioning. Effective treatments are available.Common misconception
PTSD isn't simply having difficulty "moving on" from something that happened. Trauma can affect the brain and nervous system in ways that make certain experiences or reminders feel threatening long after the event.Related terms: C-PTSD · Trauma · Hypervigilance · Dissociation · Grounding · Anxiety
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What is it?
Psychosis is a condition in which a person has difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not. It can involve hallucinations, delusions, or significant changes in thinking or perception.Why it matters
Psychosis can occur with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, severe depression, substance use, certain medications, medical conditions, and other causes. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and guide treatment.Common misconception
Psychosis does not automatically mean someone has schizophrenia. Psychosis is a symptom or clinical state that can occur for many different reasons.Related terms: Schizophrenia · Schizoaffective Disorder · Bipolar Disorder · Hallucinations · Delusions · Antipsychotics
R
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What is it?
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a term commonly used to describe an intense emotional response to perceived rejection, criticism, failure, or disappointment. It is particularly associated with ADHD.Why it matters
A strong sensitivity to perceived rejection can affect relationships, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and willingness to take risks or try new things.Common misconception
RSD isn't a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It is a descriptive term used to capture a real and often distressing pattern of emotional sensitivity.Related terms: ADHD · Emotional Dysregulation · Masking · Self-Monitoring · Neurodivergence
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What is it?
Rumination is repetitive, often negative thinking about a problem, event, mistake, or feeling without moving toward a useful resolution.Why it matters
Rumination can keep the brain focused on distress and may contribute to anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and difficulty concentrating.Common misconception
Rumination isn't the same as healthy reflection. Reflection can help us learn or solve problems, while rumination tends to repeat the same thoughts without resolution.Related terms: Anxiety · Depression · Racing Thoughts · Catastrophizing · Cognitive Distortions
S
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What is it?
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition involving symptoms of psychosis along with significant mood episodes. There are two types: bipolar type and depressive type.Why it matters
Understanding the type of schizoaffective disorder can help clinicians determine which symptoms need to be addressed and guide treatment planning.Common misconception
Schizoaffective disorder isn't simply schizophrenia combined with depression or bipolar disorder. The diagnosis involves a specific pattern and timing of mood and psychotic symptoms.Related terms: Psychosis · Schizophrenia · Bipolar Disorder · Depression · Hallucinations · Delusions · Antipsychotics · Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
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What is it?
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health condition that can affect perception, thinking, emotions, behavior, and functioning. Symptoms may include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking or speech, and changes in motivation or emotional expression.Why it matters
Schizophrenia can significantly affect daily functioning and relationships, but treatment can reduce symptoms and support recovery and quality of life.Common misconception
Schizophrenia does not mean having "multiple personalities." It is also not the same as having a split personality.Related terms: Psychosis · Schizoaffective Disorder · Hallucinations · Delusions · Avolition · Anosognosia · Antipsychotics · Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
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What is it?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, and many other biological processes.Why it matters
Several psychiatric medications affect serotonin signaling, including SSRIs and SNRIs. Serotonin also plays important roles throughout the body.Common misconception
Depression isn't simply caused by having "low serotonin." Mental health conditions involve complex interactions among biology, psychology, environment, and other factors.Related terms: Neurotransmitter · SSRIs · SNRIs · Depression · Norepinephrine
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What is it?
Sleep hygiene refers to habits and environmental factors that support consistent, restorative sleep. Examples include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and limiting stimulating activities close to bedtime.Why it matters
Sleep affects mood, attention, memory, energy, and emotional regulation. Consistent sleep habits can support overall mental health.Common misconception
Good sleep hygiene isn't a guarantee against insomnia. Sleep difficulties can have many causes, and sometimes additional evaluation or treatment is needed.Related terms: Insomnia · Circadian Rhythm · Light Therapy · Depression · Anxiety
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What are they?
SNRIs are medications that increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by reducing their reuptake. They are commonly used to treat depression and several anxiety disorders.Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)
Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Why they matter
SNRIs can affect both mood and certain physical or pain-related symptoms. Individual medications have different effects and side-effect profiles.Common misconception
SNRIs aren't simply "stronger SSRIs." They affect two primary neurotransmitter systems and can have different clinical effects.Related terms: Serotonin · Norepinephrine · SSRIs · Depression · Anxiety
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What are they?
SSRIs are medications that increase the availability of serotonin between nerve cells by reducing its reuptake. They are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.Sertraline (Zoloft)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR)
Why they matter
SSRIs are among the most commonly prescribed medications for several mental health conditions and are often used as a first-line treatment.Common misconception
SSRIs don't simply make someone "happy." They are intended to reduce symptoms and support more stable functioning.Related terms: Serotonin · SNRIs · Depression · Anxiety · Neurotransmitter
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What is it?
Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior and refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or sensory behaviors that can help with regulation, focus, sensory processing, or emotional expression.Why it matters
Stimming is common and can occur in people with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other conditions — as well as in people without a mental health or developmental diagnosis. It is not necessarily a problem unless it causes distress, injury, or significantly interferes with daily life.Examples of stimming may include:
Fidgeting with a pen or other object
Tapping fingers or feet
Rocking back and forth
Twirling hair
Hand flapping
Humming or repeating sounds or words
Pacing
Chewing on objects or gum
Common misconception
Stimming isn't inherently negative or something that always needs to be stopped. The context and whether the behavior causes harm or interferes with functioning matter.Related terms: Neurodivergence · Neurotypical · Masking · ADHD · Self-Monitoring
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What are they?
Stimulants are medications that increase activity in certain brain systems, particularly those involving dopamine and norepinephrine. They are commonly used to treat ADHD.Why they matter
For people with ADHD, stimulant medications can improve attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. They require individualized prescribing and monitoring.Common misconception
Stimulants don't simply "speed up" everyone who takes them. Their effects depend on the medication, dose, individual physiology, and condition being treated.Related terms: ADHD · Dopamine · Norepinephrine · Executive Function · NDRIs
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What is it?
Substance Use Disorder is a medical condition involving problematic use of alcohol, marijuana, or other substances that leads to significant impairment, distress, or difficulty controlling use.Why it matters
SUD can affect physical health, mental health, relationships, work, and daily functioning. It can also interact with psychiatric conditions and medications.Common misconception
SUD isn't simply a lack of willpower or a moral failing. Substance use disorders involve biological, psychological, and environmental factors and are treatable.Related terms: Alcohol Use Disorder · Addiction · Substance Use · Withdrawal · Tolerance
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What is it?
Sustained attention is the ability to maintain focus on a task, activity, or information over a period of time.Why it matters
Sustained attention is important for work, school, conversations, reading, driving, and many everyday activities. It can be affected by ADHD, sleep, stress, anxiety, and other factors.Common misconception
Difficulty sustaining attention doesn't mean someone can't pay attention. Attention can vary depending on interest, environment, fatigue, and other factors.Related terms: ADHD · Executive Function · Hyperfocus · Digital Overload · Working Memory
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What is it?
Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts about death, dying, or suicide. These thoughts can range from passive thoughts about not wanting to be alive to more active thoughts involving an intention or plan.Why it matters
Suicidal thoughts can occur during periods of significant emotional distress and can be associated with depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, substance use, and other mental health conditions. The nature and severity of the thoughts can vary.Common misconception
Talking about suicidal thoughts does not necessarily mean someone intends to act on them. Asking about suicidal thoughts can help identify distress and determine what support may be needed.Related terms: Depression · Bipolar Disorder · Self-Harm · Crisis · Safety Planning
Need support now?
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger or you believe you may act on these thoughts, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department (ER).
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What is it?
Tardive dyskinesia is a medication-related movement disorder involving repetitive, involuntary movements. It often affects the face and mouth, such as lip smacking, tongue movements, chewing motions, or facial movements, but can also affect other parts of the body.Why it matters
TD can develop after longer-term exposure to antipsychotic medications, and, unlike some other medication-related movement effects, can persist even after the medication is changed or stopped. Early recognition is important because identifying TD sooner can help guide treatment and may improve the likelihood of improvement.Common misconception
TD isn't simply a habit or nervous behavior. The movements are involuntary and can be associated with exposure to certain medications.Related terms: EPS · Antipsychotics · Bipolar Disorder · Schizophrenia · Schizoaffective Disorder · Antipsychotics · Akathisia
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What is it?
Task initiation is the ability to begin a task, even when you know what needs to be done. It involves moving from intention into action.Why it matters
Difficulty starting tasks is common with executive functioning challenges, including ADHD. A person may understand exactly what needs to happen and still feel unable to get started.Common misconception
Difficulty initiating a task isn't necessarily procrastination or laziness. The barrier may involve attention, motivation, overwhelm, uncertainty, or executive functioning.Related terms: ADHD · Executive Function · Planning & Prioritization · Motivation · Time Management
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What is it?
Time blindness is a term used to describe difficulty accurately sensing, estimating, or tracking the passage of time. Someone may underestimate how long a task will take or lose track of time while engaged in an activity.Why it matters
Time awareness is closely connected with planning, task initiation, transitions, and meeting deadlines. Time blindness is commonly discussed in relation to ADHD.Common misconception
Time blindness isn't simply being late or careless. Someone may genuinely have difficulty experiencing or estimating time accurately.Related terms: ADHD · Time Management · Hyperfocus · Executive Function · Task Initiation
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What is it?
Time management is the ability to estimate, plan, organize, and use time effectively in order to meet responsibilities and goals.Why it matters
Time management relies on several executive functions, including planning, prioritization, time awareness, and task initiation.Common misconception
Knowing what time something starts doesn't always mean having an accurate sense of how long the steps leading up to it will take.Related terms: ADHD · Time Blindness · Executive Function · Task Initiation · Planning & Prioritization
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What is it?
Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to an event or experience that is deeply distressing, threatening, or overwhelming. What is traumatic can vary from person to person.Why it matters
Trauma can affect the nervous system, emotions, memories, relationships, sleep, and sense of safety. Some people recover naturally, while others develop lasting symptoms.Common misconception
Trauma isn't defined only by the event itself. Two people can experience the same event and have very different responses.Related terms: PTSD · Hypervigilance · C-PTSD · Dissociation · Grounding · Autonomic Arousal
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What is it?
Women’s mental health considers how biological, hormonal, psychological, and social factors can interact with mental health across different stages of life.Why it matters
Hormonal transitions such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum period, perimenopause, and menopause can intersect with mood, anxiety, sleep, attention, and other mental health concerns.Common misconception
Women’s mental health isn't limited to reproductive health. It encompasses the full range of mental health concerns while recognizing factors that may affect women differently.Related terms: Perimenopause & Mental Health · PMDD · Depression · Anxiety · Circadian Rhythm
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What is it?
Working memory is the ability to temporarily hold and use information while completing a task. For example, it helps you remember a phone number long enough to enter it or keep track of several steps in a task.Why it matters
Working memory supports reading, problem-solving, following directions, planning, and everyday organization. Difficulties can be especially noticeable with ADHD and other conditions.Common misconception
Working memory isn't the same as long-term memory. Someone can have good long-term memory while still having difficulty holding information in mind moment to moment.Related terms: Executive Function · ADHD · Cognitive Load · Organization · Sustained Attention
Medical Disclaimer: This glossary is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical, psychiatric, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. If you're noticing symptoms that concern you or want support understanding what's going on, reaching out is a reasonable first step.
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