Glossary

Terms

ASRS

Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. A screening questionnaire developed with the World Health Organization. Part A, the six-question version, is the validated screener. It indicates whether fuller assessment is worthwhile — it does not diagnose.

CBT

Cognitive behavioural therapy. A structured talking therapy focused on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and on changing patterns that keep difficulties in place.

CBT-I

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. A specific form of CBT addressing the habits and thought patterns that maintain disrupted sleep. Widely recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.

Comorbidity

The presence of more than one condition at the same time. Common in psychiatry — for example depression alongside anxiety, or ADHD alongside a sleep disorder — and a reason assessments look wider than the presenting symptom.

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation

A full assessment considering physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive and social factors, rather than only the symptom that prompted the appointment.

Hypomania

A period of elevated or irritable mood with increased energy and reduced need for sleep, less severe than mania. Because it can feel productive rather than unwell, it is easily overlooked.

Long-acting injectable

A medication given as an injection that releases slowly over weeks, rather than being taken daily. Used for some conditions where a consistent level is helpful.

Mania

A period of markedly elevated, expansive or irritable mood with significantly increased energy or activity, which interferes with day-to-day functioning.

MD / DO

Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both are fully qualified physicians; a psychiatrist holds one of these degrees plus specialist psychiatric training.

Medication management

Ongoing prescribing and review — assessing whether a medication is working, monitoring side effects, and adjusting the approach over time.

PHQ-9

Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A nine-item questionnaire used to measure depressive symptoms and track how they change over time.

PMHNP

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. An advanced practice registered nurse with specialist psychiatric training who can assess, diagnose and prescribe. 'PMHNP-BC' indicates board certification.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor specialising in mental health, able to assess, diagnose, prescribe medication and provide therapy.

Psychotherapy

Talking therapy. A broad term covering approaches including cognitive behavioural, supportive and psychodynamic therapy.

Psychotic disorder

A condition involving loss of contact with reality, which may include hallucinations, delusions or disordered thinking.

Screening tool

A short questionnaire indicating whether fuller assessment may be worthwhile. A screening tool never produces a diagnosis on its own.

SSRI

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. A commonly prescribed class of antidepressant, also used for some anxiety disorders.

Telehealth

Care delivered by secure video rather than in person. For most psychiatric assessment and ongoing management it covers the same ground as an in-office appointment.

Titration

Adjusting a medication dose gradually — usually upward when starting, or downward when stopping — to find an effective dose while limiting side effects.

Treatment plan

The agreed approach to your care, which may include medication, therapy, practical supports and follow-up. Agreed with you rather than assigned, and revisited as things change.