4.8 Psychiatry
Psychiatry is another specialty area that uses a wide range of abbreviations. This section will introduce you to some of the more common abbreviations used on a psychiatric unit. The focus is on the most common abbreviations, but there may be more used in this specialty area that are not covered here. As well as psychiatry-related abbreviations and definitions, some key concepts related to the abbreviations will be discussed.
Table 4.30. Psychiatry
| ABBREVIATIONS | MEANING |
| ADHD | attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder |
| ADD | attention deficit disorder |
| BAD | bipolar affective disorder |
| CA | chronological age |
| CBT | cognitive behavioural therapy |
| IQ | intelligence quotient |
Key Concept
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of treatment that is thought to be effective in treating such conditions as anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol use, and severe mental illness, among others (American Psychological Association, 2017). This therapy works to help patients by changing their thinking and behavioural patterns.
Example of orders related to psychiatry :
- Patient to attend CBT today at 1200
Explanation of orders related to psychiatry:
- Patient to attend cognitive behavioural therapy today at noon.
Table 4.31. Psychiatry
| ABBREVIATIONS | MEANING |
| M.A. | mental age |
| MDD | major depressive disorder |
| OCD | obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| PTSD | post-traumatic stress disorder |
| SAD | seasonal affective disorder |
| SSRI | selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor |
Key Concept
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as the “winter blues,” is a form of depression that usually occurs in late fall and early winter. The cause is not truly known, but it is thought that the lack of sunlight, biological clock changes, and vitamin D deficiency could play a role. The symptoms can range from feelings of sadness and lack of energy to suicidal thoughts. There are several treatments that can be used, including CBT, light therapy, vitamin D, and antidepressants. Fig. 4.18 shows a person using light therapy for SAD.
Example of orders related to psychiatry :
- Dx OCD and MDD
Explanation of orders related to psychiatry:
- Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder.
Exercise
Attribution
Unless otherwise indicated, material on this page has been adapted from the following resource:
Carter, K., & Rutherford, M. (2020). Building a medical terminology foundation. eCampusOntario. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/medicalterminology/ licensed under CC BY 4.0
References
American Psychological Association (APA). (2017). What is cognitive behavioral therapy? https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
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