Mental Health Basics

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

A type of psychotherapy that helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors

What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety is a normal stress response; an anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily activities

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between nerve cells, affecting mood, sleep, and cognition

What is serotonin's role in mental health?

Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and emotional well-being; low levels are linked to depression

What is the fight-or-flight response?

The body's automatic physiological reaction to perceived danger, triggering adrenaline release, increased heart rate, and heightened alertness

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder — a condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety

What is mindfulness?

The practice of focusing attention on the present moment without judgment, used to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychologist holds a doctoral degree in psychology and provides therapy; a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication

What is dopamine's role in mental health?

Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure; dysregulation is linked to addiction, ADHD, and schizophrenia

What is major depressive disorder?

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating for at least two weeks