Psychology words

seclusion

A secure, isolated area within a psychiatric facility where a patient is placed, often…

electroencephalography

A non-invasive medical procedure used to record and measure the electrical activity of…

incongruence

A state of mismatch or disagreement between two things, specifically referring here to…

estradiol

A primary form of estrogen, which is a female sex hormone that drives many of the…

neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger in the brain that transmits signals across a synapse from one neuron…

glutamate

The primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain that promotes neural signaling…

serotonin

A neurotransmitter that functions as a chemical messenger in the brain, which LSD…

thalamus

A deep-seated structure in the brain that serves as a central relay station for routing…

hallucinogen

A psychoactive substance, such as LSD, capable of causing profound shifts in…

transference

The psychological phenomenon where a patient redirects feelings, expectations, or desires…

homeostasis

The biological tendency of a system to maintain internal stability and consistent…

surprisal

A mathematical or technical measure of information content or the degree of…

compulsivity

A mental health trait characterized by an irresistible urge to perform repetitive…

acuity

The severity, intensity, or level of urgency of a patient's medical condition.

conscientiousness

A personality trait characterized by being organized, dependable, and disciplined, and…

extraversion

A primary personality trait characterized by a tendency to be outgoing, sociable, and…

agreeableness

A personality trait characterized by being cooperative, kind, sympathetic, and…

neurodevelopment

The biological process of growth, maturation, and physical changes in an infant's nervous…

covariates

Secondary variables or factors that are measured alongside the primary variable because…

phenotyping

The process of using behavioral, contextual, and sensor-based data from personal digital…

pharmacotherapy

The treatment of mental health conditions through the use of pharmaceutical medications.

comorbidity

The simultaneous presence of two or more distinct medical or psychological conditions in…

ideation

The act of forming ideas or thoughts, specifically referring to the formation of thoughts…

lobotomy

A controversial and invasive neurosurgical procedure used in the mid-20th century to…

psychoanalysis

A therapeutic approach that emphasizes the use of verbal communication and dialogue…

succinylcholine

A medication used as a muscle relaxant to prevent severe physical convulsions during…

chlorpromazine

A groundbreaking psychiatric medication introduced in the 1950s that serves as a powerful…

centrality

The degree to which a specific symptom acts as a core, influential node within a network…

hysteria

A historical, often pejorative clinical label used to dismiss or pathologize individuals,…

melancholy

A historical label used to pathologize deep sadness, intense emotional distress, or…

neurosis

A historical psychological term referring to various mental or emotional…

metabolism

The complex of physical and chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism…

kinesiology

The scientific study of human movement, often focusing on the physiological and…

dementia

A chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or…

reminiscence

The act of recalling or reflecting on past events, often associated with a persistent,…

pathogen

In a metaphorical sense, any influence, experience, or negative emotional condition that…

psychopathology

The scientific study or clinical assessment of mental disorders, psychological distress,…

anesthesia

A state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness, often induced by medical…

consciousness

The state of being aware of one's own feelings and surroundings, specifically regarding…

ambiguity

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation, or a state of uncertainty…

amygdala

A small, almond-shaped region in the brain that plays a critical role in processing…

workaholic

A person who compulsively works to an excessive degree, often at the expense of personal…

neuropsychologist

A psychologist who specializes in the study and treatment of the relationship between the…

maladjustment

The failure to cope effectively or adapt to the demands and challenges of one's…

chronicity

The state or quality of a medical or psychological condition being long-lasting or…

flourishing

A comprehensive state in which all aspects of a person’s life—including their individual…

infirmity

A physical or mental weakness, illness, or state of being diseased.

stressor

Any factor, event, or condition that causes strain, tension, or mental pressure.