Psychiatry

Glossary of Mental Health Terms

Glossary of Terms – E

To view this glossary simply click on the corresponding letter below.

Please note – this is not an exhaustive list, but includes some fo the terminology commonly used in the assessment and treatment of mental illness. The terms in this glossary were derived from the medical glossary of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and are used with the Centre's permission

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) – a treatment procedure for severe depression and severe mania. ECT involves passing a controlled electric current between two metal discs applied on the surface of the scalp. ECT is typically used with patients whose depression is resistant to drug therapy or in those who cannot take an antidepressant.

Endorphins – Chemical substances similar to opiates that are produced in the brain and which reduce the feeling of pain by blocking the receptor sites involved in pain perception.

Episode – a period of illness. This can include depression, hypomania, mania or a mixed state.

Euthymia – A term used to describe a balance of mood – i.e., neither depressed nor manic that is synonymous with recovery.

Exposure (desensitization) therapy – A type of therapy used to treat anxiety disorders where a patient is gradually exposed to a situation that will provoke anxiety in a way that helps him/her learn to refrain from excessive anxiety or panic.

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