Defining Mental Health Issues

The practice of diagnosing mental disorders without sufficient evidence, often driven by cultural trends and suggestibility.

A mental disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states.

A case study involving a woman who claimed to have multiple personalities, later revealed to be the result of suggestive therapeutic techniques.

A medication used to induce a relaxed and truthful state, often used in psychotherapy. Also known as Truth Serum.

A therapeutic technique that aims to access unconscious thoughts and memories through suggestions.

A type of questioning that subtly directs the respondent towards a desired answer, potentially leading to false memories.

An ethical concern in psychotherapy involving the use of excessive or inappropriate medications, potentially leading to harm.

A legal case in which a patient sued their therapist for malpractice, alleging that the therapy caused harm. The case highlighted the ethical issues in therapy and the potential for suggestibility to influence diagnoses.

A substance known for its analgesic and mood-altering properties, used by ancient Scythians in their rituals.

A concoction containing opium, originally developed by Mithridates VI of Pontus as an antidote to poisoning attempts. It later became used for various medical conditions.

The use of increasing dosages of a substance over time, often leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Refers to the unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms that arise when a person abruptly stops using a substance they are dependent on.

A type of opium-based concoction that was used for its sedative properties.

The process of removing a substance from a mixture or compound, often to alter or eliminate its effects.

The inability to sleep or rest, often a symptom of withdrawal from certain substances.

A specific area in the brain responsible for processing reward and motivation.

A neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in reward, motivation, and pleasure.

A bundle of nerve fibers that connects various brain regions, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens.

A technique where individuals are allowed to stimulate their own brain's reward centers using electrical impulses.

A phenomenon observed in ICSS experiments where individuals prioritize stimulating their brain's reward centers over basic needs, such as eating or sleeping.

A psychoactive compound found in cannabis that increases dopamine release in the striatum, leading to feelings of euphoria and reinforcing cannabis use.

A stimulant commonly prescribed for ADHD that increases dopamine levels in the striatum, leading to feelings of euphoria.

The release of dopamine in the striatum is linked to the euphoric effects experienced after using stimulant drugs.

A model suggesting that DID is primarily influenced by cultural factors, media portrayal, and therapeutic practices.

The idea that therapists and cultural expectations can influence the development and presentation of DID in patients.

A psychological defense mechanism where an individual detaches from reality, often in response to trauma. This detachment can manifest in different ways, including memory fragmentation and the creation of separate identities.

The idea that DID is triggered by traumatic experiences, and the response to trauma can vary, leading to either PTSD or DID.

A dramatic increase in the number of alters reported in DID patients in recent years, suggesting that cultural and therapeutic factors may play a role.

Suggestibility to therapists' suggestions and cultural expectations can contribute to the development and presentation of DID.

The pattern of memory recall where DID patients exhibit inconsistent memory access depending on the alter present.

The idea that diagnostic procedures used for DID might actually create the multiplicity of personalities instead of simply uncovering them.

A mental condition characterized by physical symptoms that have no underlying medical explanation, often linked to psychological stress or trauma.

A type of therapy exploring unconscious thoughts and early life experiences to understand current emotional and behavioral issues.

A mental disorder where a person intentionally fakes or exaggerates illness for attention or sympathy.

A part of the brain involved in processing sensory information, spatial awareness, and body image.

A neurological experience of feeling detached from your own body, sometimes accompanied by seeing your body from an outside perspective.

The ability of the brain to suppress or inhibit unwanted memories, especially those related to trauma.

A brain region involved in decision-making, planning, and executive functions.

Part of the brain responsible for forming and retrieving memories, especially long-term memories.

The area of the brain responsible for processing reward and pleasure. It's activated by stimulants and plays a crucial role in drug craving and addiction.

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and movement. It's released when we experience pleasurable things, like food, sex, and drugs.

The effect of a drug that makes someone want to repeat the experience, leading to potential addiction.

A decrease in the number of dopamine receptors in the brain, often caused by chronic drug use. This makes it harder for the brain to experience pleasure and can contribute to addiction.

The ability of certain drugs to stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of euphoria and reward.

The part of the brain responsible for planning, decision-making, and impulse control. It's affected by chronic drug use, leading to problems with these functions.

The process of becoming addicted to a drug, characterized by compulsive use, craving, and withdrawal symptoms.

A condition where the body becomes accustomed to a drug and needs a higher dose to achieve the same effect. This contributes to escalating use and potential overdose.