Depression Glossary
Basilar Artery:
a major artery that supplies blood to the brain. Spasms of this artery can result in anxiety or panic attacks.
Battle Fatigue:
an old name for PTSD
Behavioral Perspective:
the view that learning is central in determining and maintaining human behavior.
Behavioral Sciences:
branch of science that focuses on the study of human behavior that includes the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and anthropology.
Behavior Modification:
techniques based on learning theory that are used to change behavior.
Behavioral Therapy (BT):
a form of psychotherapy in which the person learns to gain control of anxiety through exposure and relaxation techniques. Based on principles of learning theory.
Biofeedback:
therapy technique in which person is taught to control bodily processes that are not normally considered to be under voluntary control, for example, heart rate and skin temperature.
Biological Clocks:
each species has characteristic cyclic patterns of sleep, activity, and metabolism.
Bipolar Disorder:
a mood disorder in which the person experiences both manic and depressive episodes.
Blood Injury Phobia:
fear of the sight of blood or injury.
BPD:
bipolar depression (see bipolar disorder)
Breathing Exercise:
a variety of different exercises can be used to breathe in a more calm manner in order to reduce stress.
Brief Psychotherapy:
short term therapy of 8 to 12 sessions with a focus on restoring previous functioning and providing emotional support.
Brontophobia:
fear of thunder
BT:
behavior therapy
Bulimia Nervosa:
recurrent episodes of binge eating that is often experienced as out of control and is often accompanied by efforts to purge (e.g., vomit) in order to prevent weight gain.