Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Separation-individuation

    Psychologic awareness of one’s separateness, described by margaret mahler (1897–1985) as a phase in the mother-child relationship that follows the symbiotic stage. In the separation-individuation stage, the child begins to perceive himself or herself as distinct from the mother and develops a sense of individual identity. Mahler described four subphases of the process: differentiation, practicing,…

  • Separation anxiety disorder

    Separation anxiety disorder

    A disorder with onset before age 18 years consisting of inappropriate anxiety concerning separation from home or from persons to whom the child is attached. Among the symptoms that may be seen are unrealistic concern about harm befalling to or loss of major attachment figures; refusal to go to school (school phobia) in order to…

  • Separation anxiety

    Separation anxiety

    The sense of discomfort that a child feels when experiencing or being threatened by a separation from an attachmentfigure. This is a normal stage of  development that indicates a strong primary attachment. It typically develops between ages 10 and 15 months. These concerns may preoccupy children up to age 3 years. If the concerns persist…

  • Sensory processing disorder (SPD)

    A complex disorder of the BRAIN that affects the ability to process information brought in by the senses. People with SPD misinterpret everyday information, such as touch, sound, and movement, which gives them a different experience of the world from others. Also known as sensory integration dysfunction. SPD is not a recognized diagnosis in dsm-iv-tr.…

  • Sensory extinction

    Failure to detect sensory stimuli from one region if another region is stimulated simultaneously, even though when the region in question is stimulated by itself, the stimulus is correctly reported.  

  • Sensory deprivation

    The experience of being cut off from usual external stimuli and the opportunity for perception. This may occur experimentally or accidentally in various ways. For example, the loss of hearing or eyesight, physical isolation, or some hospital confinements may lead to disorganized thinking, delirium, depression, panic, delusions, and hallucinations. An experimental procedure in which the…

  • Sensorium

    Synonymous with consciousness. Includes the special sensory perceptive powers and their central correlation and integration in the brain. A clear sensorium conveys the presence of a reasonably accurate memory together with orientation for time, place, and person. That portion of the brain that functions as a center of sensations. A sensory nerve hub within the…

  • Sensitivity group

    A group in which members strive to increase selfawareness and understanding of the group’s dynamics, as distinct from treatments designed to ameliorate identified, individual, egodystonic emotional problems.  

  • Senile dementia

    A chronic, progressive dementia associated with generalized atrophy of the brain involving the death of neurons from unknown causes. It is not due to aging per se but may be a late form of alzheimer’s disease. Deterioration may range from minimal to severe. It must be carefully separated from reversible brain syndrome, resulting from many…

  • Senescence

    A chronological period commonly referred to as old age; characterized by introspection, awareness of death, sense of legacy, and the possibilities of frailty, disability, dependency, and abandonment. Senescence is the result of physiologic, psychological, and social forces. Aging and the deterioration of the body resulting from growing old. Agedness; the final portion of the life…