Definition of Eating Disorder An eating disorder is a serious mental health condition marked by abnormal eating behaviors that negatively impact a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. These disorders often involve an unhealthy obsession with food, body weight, or body image, leading to behaviors like extreme food restriction, binge eating, …
Definition of Psychosis According to the World Health Organization (WHO), psychosis is a mental health condition marked by significant disruptions in perception, thought, emotion, behavior, language, and sense of self. Individuals with psychosis often struggle to distinguish between what is real and what is not. Key symptoms include hallucinations (such as hearing voices), delusions (fixed …
Definition of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder marked by profound disruptions in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals with schizophrenia often experience persistent delusions, hallucinations (commonly hearing voices), disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning across social and occupational domains. Types of Schizophrenia Though now considered part …
Definition of Phobias Phobias are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a type of phobic anxiety disorder. These disorders involve a persistent, excessive, and unreasonable fear or anxiety triggered by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation. The intensity of this fear often leads individuals to avoid the trigger altogether, …
Definition of Panic Disorder Panic disorder is a mental health condition marked by recurring and unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach their peak within minutes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these attacks are often accompanied by symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, or …
Definition of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured, goal-focused, and time-limited form of psychotherapy. It centers on identifying and changing unhelpful patterns in thinking, behavior, and emotional responses. The core idea behind it is that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are closely connected. When negative thoughts arise, they can influence feelings and …
Definition of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes in which the person’s mood and activity levels are significantly disturbed, consisting of manic or hypomanic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes involve elevated or irritable mood, over-activity, rapid speech, inflated self-esteem, and a decreased need for sleep. Depressive episodes involve low mood, decreased energy, and …
Definition of Dyslexia Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that primarily affects reading and language processing. Individuals with dyslexia have difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding. These challenges occur despite normal intelligence and adequate educational opportunities, and they stem from differences in how the brain processes written and spoken language. …
Definition of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy (CP)is a lifelong neurological condition that primarily affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It typically appears in early childhood and results from damage or abnormal development of the brain. Though not progressive or hereditary, its effects on movement cannot be fully corrected. Types of Cerebral Palsy CP presents in …
What is Disability ? Disability is a broad term that refers to physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that may limit a person’s ability to perform certain activities. Disabilities can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired due to injury, illness, or aging. While disabilities present challenges, they do not define a person’s potential, capabilities, …
Definition of Anxiety Disorder Anxiety disorder are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent and excessive feelings of fear, worry, or nervousness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these disorders interfere with daily activities and may arise from specific situations or appear without any clear cause. Types of Anxiety Disorders Several types …
Definition of Depression Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, low energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and disruptions in sleep or appetite. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this significantly impacts how individuals think, feel, and function in daily life. If left untreated, It can …
Meaning of Mental Illness According to the Persons with Disabilities (P W D) Act, 1995, “Mental Illness” refers to any mental disorder excluding mental retardation. In modern terminology, mental retardation is more appropriately referred to as intellectual disability, and it is treated as a distinct category of disability under the Act. Understanding Mental Illness Mental …
Definition of Multiple Disabilities Multiple Disabilities refer to the presence of two or more impairments occurring simultaneously—such as intellectual disability combined with blindness, orthopedic impairment, or other conditions. These combined impairments create educational needs that cannot be addressed through programs targeting a single disability. It is important to note that this definition does not include …
Special education refers to tailored educational programs designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities, learning differences, and special needs. These specialized interventions provide individualized support to help students achieve greater self-sufficiency and success both in school and their communities. Without these specialized services, many students may struggle to access the same opportunities …
