Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

Acute

Acute means something that develops suddenly. It may be a symptom or a disorder. It may not be severe and it usually does not last long.

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Advocate

An advocate is a person who helps support you talking to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. They are independent and are trained to help you. They can ask questions for you or help professionals to understand your point of view.

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ADHD

See Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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AMPH

See Approved Mental Health Professional

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Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an illness that is characterised by a low intake of food, an avoidance of eating or even a refusal to eat. This can lead individiuals to become malnourished to the point of starvation. People suffering from anorexia nervose have a distorted views of their own body size and perceive themselves as being fat.
Read more about Anorexia Nervosa>>

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Antidepressant

Antidepressant medication can help to lift your mood. There are different groups of antidepressant medications, each work in a different way. Some terms that may be referred to include Tricyclic Antidepressants, SNRIs, SSRIs, NARIs, NASSAs and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).

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Antipsychotic

Antipsychotic medication is used to relieve the symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia. They may be tablets taken by mouth or they may be given as an injection. There are two types: typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics (or novel).

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Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems that people experience. Common symptoms include sleepless nights, recurring thoughts, dizziness, nausea and difficulty in breathing. Anxiety can also cause chronic fear and panic attacks.

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Approved Mental Health Professional

Approved Mental Health Professional (AMPH) is someone who has had training in the legal side of mental health assessment and treatment. AMPHs are approved by their local authority social services department to organise and carry out assessments under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA).

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Approved Social Worker

A social worker specifically trained and approved by the local authority under the Mental Health Act 1983. Their role is to assess people who may require admission to hospital.

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Art Therapy

Art Therapy is a type of expressive therapy that uses materials, such as paints, chalk and other tangible objects. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art materials.

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ASC

See Autism Spectrum Condition.

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ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder. See also Autism Spectrum Condition.

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Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's Syndrome is a developmental disorder that is characterised by difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Asperger's Syndrome is generally considered to be at the milder end of the spectrum of autistic conditions.

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Assessment

An assessment is a process to work out what your needs are. A mental health professional will talk to you and ask you questions.

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ASW

See Approved Social Worker

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder occurring in around 2-5% of children. If you have ADHD you will probably show inappropriate levels of attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Read more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder>>

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Autism Spectrum Condition

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) is a behaviourally defined syndrome characterised by communication impairments, social interaction problems and unusual interest patterns and/or stereotyped behaviour. It occurs in approximately 1% of children.

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