Glossary

A conviction that thinking equates with doing. Occurs in dreams in children, in primitive peoples, and in individuals under a variety of conditions. Many superstitions are examples of culturally validated magical thinking. Characterised by lack of realistic relationship between cause and effect.

Deliberately pretending to have an illness or disability in order to receive financial or other gain, or to avoid punishment or responsibility.

A mental state of elevated, expansive or irritable mood and persistently increased level of activity or energy. Can also be characterized by such symptoms as severe insomnia, grandiose notions, increased speed and/or volume of speech, flight of ideas increased sexual desire, markedly increased energy and activity level, poor judgement, and inappropriate social behaviour.

The ability, process, or act of remembering or recalling; especially the ability to reproduce what has been learned or explained.

The Mini-Mental Status Exam is a five-minute screening test that is designed to evaluate basic mental function in a number of different areas. Some of the areas tested involve a person's ability to recall facts, to write and to calculate numbers.

The test provides a quick way to determine if more in-depth neurological testing is needed. Anyone suspected of mental decline or potential dementia is a candidate for this test although the test is best suited for people older than 60.

Read more about the MMSE

An individual's reported pervasive and sustained emotional state. Mood refers to an inner state that persists for some time. A pervasive and sustained emotion on the continuum between sad and happy. Can markedly influence virtually all aspects of a person's behaviour and perception of the world. Compare to definition of affect.

Statements about the person's mood should include depth, intensity, duration and fluctuations. Common adjectives used to describe mood include depressed, despairing, irritable, anxious, angry, guilty, frightened and perplexed.

Mood may be labile (e.g. laughing out loud and expansive one moment, tearful the next).

The harmonious functioning of body parts that involve movement, including gross motor movement, fine motor movement, and motor planning.

No verbal response, yet individual indicates awareness of question. May result from a variety of peripheral muscle and Central Nervous System conditions and from functional disorders.