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Dr. Reid has put together an easy-to-use list of definitions of various therapy terms. These explanations are easy to understand explanations to common therapy terms. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Dr. Victoria Reid.

Sources of terms: Medicine.net, Mayoclinic.com, WebMD.com

Medicine.net, Mayoclinic.com, WebMD.com
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© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
© 2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Dementia

Is a term that describes a collection of symptoms that include decreased intellectual functioning that interferes with normal life functions and is usually used to describe people who have two or more major life functions impaired or lost such as memory, language, perception, judgment, or reasoning; they may lose emotional and behavioral control, develop personality changes, and have problem solving abilities reduced or lost.

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Neuropsychiatry

The medical specialty dealing with both organic and psychic disorders of the nervous system; earlier term for psychiatry.
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Neuropsychological Evaluation (NPE):

Is a testing method through which a neuropsychologist can acquire data about a subject’s cognitive, motor, behavioral, linguistic, and executive functioning. In the hands of a trained neuropsychologist, these data can provide information leading to the diagnosis of a cognitive deficit or to the confirmation of a diagnosis, as well as to the localization of organic abnormalities in the central nervous system (CNS). The data can also guide effective treatment methods for the rehabilitation of impaired patients.

NPE provides insight into the psychological functioning of an individual, a capacity for which modern imaging techniques have only limited ability. However, these tests must be interpreted by a trained, experienced neuropsychologist to be of any benefit to the patient. These tests are often coupled with information from clinical reports, physical examination, and increasingly, premorbid and postmorbid self and relative reports. Alone, each neuropsychological test has strengths and weaknesses in its validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity.

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Psychology:

The study of the mind and mental processes, especially in relation to behavior. There are several fields of psychology. Clinical psychology is concerned with diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, emotional disturbances, and behavior problems. Child psychology is the study of the mental and emotional development of children and is part of developmental psychology, the study of changes in behavior that occur through the life span. Cognitive psychology deals with how the human mind receives and interprets impressions and ideas. Social psychology looks at how the actions of others influence the behavior of an individual.

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Psychotherapy:

The treatment of a behavior disorder, mental illness, or any other condition by psychological means. Psychotherapy may utilize insight, persuasion, suggestion, reassurance, and instruction so that patients may see themselves and their problems more realistically and have the desire to cope effectively with them.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

Is a type of anxiety disorder that is triggered by a traumatic event. You can develop post-traumatic stress disorder when you experience or witness an event that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
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