Author: Glossary

Treatment for specific developmental disorders in public schools that is mandated by law under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (effective 1978), which calls for special education for all learning-disabled children in the “least restrictive environment.” This may include accommodations such as extra time for tests, use of computer, or a specialized setting…

A primitive defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, in which the psychic representation of a person, or parts of the person, is figuratively ingested. Combining two ingredients to form a homogeneous mass. The full merging of one substance with another.  

Lack of the capacity to understand the nature of, to assess adequately, or to manage effectively a specified transaction or situation that the ordinary person could reasonably be expected to handle. As used in the law, the term refers primarily to cognitive defects that interfere with judgment.  

Lacking in unity or consistency; often applied to speech or thinking that is not understandable because of any of the following: lack of logical connection between words or phrases; excessive use of incomplete sentences; many irrelevancies or abrupt changes in subject matter; idiosyncratic word usage; or distorted grammar. In schizophrenia, an aspect of thought disorder…

Sexual activity between close blood relatives, such as father-daughter, mother-son, or between siblings. Sexual intercourse between members of the same family. An act of sexual intercourse or other sexual activity with so close a relative, that it is illegal or culturally not allowed. Sexual intercourse between persons closely related, usually so closely (e.g.. father and…

A display of emotion that is out of harmony with reality or with the verbal or intellectual content that it accompanies. Emotional reactions that are out of context with the particular environment. For example, laughing at a funeral, and having no emotion upon receiving bad news.  

A culture-specific syndrome.  

Disorders characterized by inability to resist an impulse, drive, or temptation to perform some act that is harmful to oneself or to others. The act may be premeditated or unplanned. The person may show regret or guilt for the action or its consequences. In dsm-iv-tr, this category includes intermittent explosive disorder (IED), kleptomania, pathological gambling,…

A desire or propensity to act in a certain way, typically in order to ease tension or gain pleasure. A psychic striving; usually refers to an instinctual urge. An electrical charge transmitted through certain tissue that results in the stimulation or inhibition of physiological activity. A spontaneous tendency to act upon a stimulus. A message…