Chapter 5: Mental and Emotional Problems

anxiety disorder

A condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control

apathy

A lack of strong feeling, interest, or concern

stigma

A mark of shame or disapproval that results in an individual being shunned or rejected by others

cluster suicides

A series of suicides occurring within a short period of time and involving several people in the same school or community

cognitive therapy

A treatment method designed to identify and correct distorted thinking patterns that can lead to feelings and behaviors that may be troublesome, self-defeating, or self-destructive

behavior therapy

A treatment process that focuses on changing unwanted behavior through rewards and reinforcement

mental disorder

An illness of mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy, healthful, and productive life

pyschotherapy

An ongoing dialogue between a patient and a mental health professional

alienation

Feeling isolated and separated from everything else

family therapy

Helping the family function in more positive and constructive ways by exploring the patterns in communication and providing support and education

mood disorder

Illness that involves mood extremes that interfere with everyday living

conduct disorder

Patterns of behavior in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated

depression

Prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness

suicide

The act of intentionally taking one's own life

anxiety

The condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen

drug therapy

The use of certain medications to treat or reduce the symptoms of a mental disorder

group therapy

Treating a group of people who have similar problems and who meet regulatory with a trained counselor