Mental health, term by term.

A neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. ADHD often begins in childhood but is frequently diagnosed in adults who have managed symptoms for years without a name for them. Treatment usually combines medication, behavioral strategies, and skills coaching. Learn more on our ADHD page.

Also known as: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder

An anxiety disorder involving intense fear of situations where escape might feel difficult or help unavailable, such as crowds, public transit, open spaces, or being alone outside the home. People with agoraphobia often avoid these settings, which can shrink daily life over time. It commonly occurs alongside panic disorder and responds well to psychotherapy, particularly exposure-based approaches, sometimes combined with medication.

The reduced ability to feel pleasure or interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, such as hobbies, food, social time, or intimacy. Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression and can also appear in other conditions, including PTSD and schizophrenia. It is treatable, and improvement is often one of the first signs that a treatment plan is working.

A category of prescription medication used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and several other conditions. Common classes include SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, and older tricyclic and MAOI medications. These medications generally take two to six weeks to reach full effect and are prescribed and adjusted through ongoing medication management with a psychiatric clinician.

Also known as: antidepressants

A class of prescription medication used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia, and certain mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. Newer second-generation antipsychotics are also prescribed at lower doses to augment antidepressant treatment for difficult-to-treat depression. Because these medications can have significant side effects, they require careful medication management and regular follow-up.

Also known as: neuroleptic

A normal human response to stress that becomes a clinical concern when worry, fear, or physical tension interferes with daily life. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia, among others. Most respond well to a combination of psychotherapy and, when appropriate, medication. Learn more on our anxiety page.

Also known as: anxiety disorder

A medication used to reduce anxiety symptoms. The term most often refers to benzodiazepines, which act quickly but carry risks of dependence and are typically prescribed for short-term or situational use. Many antidepressants and other non-benzodiazepine options are also effective for anxiety and are usually preferred for long-term treatment.

Also known as: anti-anxiety medication, benzodiazepine

A person's typical level of mood, functioning, sleep, and behavior when they are well. Clinicians use baseline as a reference point to recognize when symptoms are emerging, worsening, or improving with treatment. Knowing your own baseline, and sharing it with your clinician during a psychiatric evaluation, helps personalize care.

A family of psychotherapy approaches focused on changing specific patterns of behavior that contribute to distress. It includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, exposure therapy, and applied behavior analysis. These approaches are structured, skills-based, and supported by extensive research for conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.

A framework used in modern psychiatry that understands mental health as the product of biological factors (genetics, brain chemistry, medical conditions), psychological factors (thoughts, emotions, coping patterns), and social factors (relationships, work, environment, culture). Treatment plans built on this model often combine medication, psychotherapy, and practical support, rather than relying on any single approach.

A mood disorder marked by episodes of depression alternating with periods of mania or hypomania (elevated energy, reduced sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive decisions). Bipolar I involves full manic episodes, while bipolar II involves hypomania and depression. Treatment typically combines mood-stabilizing medication, sometimes an antipsychotic, and psychotherapy. Learn more on our bipolar disorder page.

Also known as: bipolar, manic depression, bipolar I, bipolar II

A mental health condition characterized by intense emotions, unstable relationships, fear of abandonment, impulsive behavior, and a shifting sense of self. BPD is treatable, and dialectical behavior therapy, a structured form of behavioral therapy, is the most well-established approach. Medication may help with co-occurring symptoms such as depression or anxiety, but is not a primary treatment for BPD itself.

Also known as: BPD

A state of physical and emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, most often related to work or caregiving. Burnout typically involves fatigue, cynicism or detachment, and a sense of reduced effectiveness. While not a formal psychiatric diagnosis on its own, burnout can overlap with depression, anxiety, and sleep problems, and a psychiatric evaluation can help clarify what is going on and what kind of support will help.

CBT is a structured, short-term form of psychotherapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It is one of the most studied talk therapies and is used for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and many other concerns. Sessions are practical and skills-based, often including practice exercises between meetings.

Also known as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Comorbidity means having two or more health conditions at the same time, such as depression alongside anxiety, or ADHD with a substance use disorder. Comorbid conditions are common in mental health and often influence each other, so treatment plans typically address them together. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is the standard way to identify them.

Also known as: co-occurring conditions, co-morbidity

A compulsion is a repeated behavior or mental act a person feels driven to perform, often to reduce distress caused by an obsession. Examples include repeated handwashing, checking, counting, or silently repeating phrases. Compulsions are a core feature of OCD and are usually treated with specialized psychotherapy, sometimes alongside medication.

Also known as: compulsive behavior

Coping skills are practical strategies people use to manage stress, difficult emotions, or symptoms of a mental health condition. Examples include paced breathing, grounding exercises, scheduled activity, journaling, and reaching out to a trusted person. Learning and practicing coping skills is a routine part of psychotherapy and many treatment plans.

Also known as: coping strategies, coping techniques

A mental health crisis is any situation where a person's safety or stability is at immediate risk, such as thoughts of suicide, self-harm, severe agitation, or inability to care for oneself. Crises are not the same as routine appointments and need urgent attention. In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or 911 for emergencies.

Also known as: mental health crisis, psychiatric crisis

DBT is a form of psychotherapy that combines elements of CBT with skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It was originally developed for chronic suicidal thoughts and borderline personality disorder, and is now used for several conditions involving intense emotions or self-harm. DBT is often delivered through a mix of individual therapy and skills training groups.

Also known as: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

A delusion is a fixed, false belief that a person holds despite clear evidence to the contrary, such as believing one is being followed or has special powers. Delusions can occur in bipolar disorder, severe depression, schizophrenia, and certain medical conditions. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and usually involves a psychiatric evaluation.

Also known as: delusional thinking

Depression is a medical condition marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or concentration that last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. It is treatable, and care often combines medication management with psychotherapy. Learn more on our depression page.

Also known as: major depression, major depressive disorder, MDD, clinical depression

Detoxification, often shortened to detox, is the medically supervised process of safely clearing alcohol or drugs from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. It is the first step in many addiction treatment plans, not a complete treatment on its own. Depending on the substance, detox may require inpatient care or close outpatient monitoring.

Also known as: detox, medical detox

A diagnosis is a clinician's formal identification of a mental health condition based on symptoms, history, and standardized criteria such as the DSM-5. It guides treatment but does not define a person. Diagnoses can change over time as more information becomes available and are usually made during a psychiatric evaluation.

Also known as: psychiatric diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is the process a clinician uses to consider and rule out other possible conditions that could explain a patient's symptoms. For example, fatigue and low mood could point to depression, a thyroid problem, or a sleep disorder. Working through the differential is a normal part of a thorough psychiatric evaluation.

Also known as: differential

Dissociation is a temporary disconnection between thoughts, memory, identity, or surroundings, often described as feeling numb, foggy, detached, or as if watching oneself from outside. Brief dissociation can happen to anyone under stress, while more frequent or severe dissociation is often linked with PTSD, trauma, or certain other conditions. It is treatable, usually through trauma-focused psychotherapy.

Also known as: depersonalization, derealization

Dual diagnosis describes having both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder at the same time, such as depression with alcohol use disorder. The two conditions tend to affect each other, so the strongest outcomes come from treating them together rather than separately. Care often blends medication management, psychotherapy, and addiction treatment.

Also known as: co-occurring disorders, co-occurring diagnosis

A group of mental health conditions involving persistent disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Eating disorders can have serious physical and psychiatric consequences and frequently co-occur with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Treatment typically combines medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, psychotherapy, and sometimes medication management.

Also known as: eating disorders, disordered eating

A medical procedure in which brief, controlled electrical currents are passed through the brain under general anesthesia to induce a short seizure, used to treat severe depression, treatment-resistant depression, and certain other conditions. Modern ECT is conducted in a hospital setting with anesthesia and muscle relaxants, and is considered safe and effective for carefully selected patients. ECT is not offered at Oasis of Hope; patients who may benefit are referred to specialized centers.

Also known as: electroconvulsive therapy

A structured psychotherapy approach that helps people process distressing memories, commonly used for PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. During EMDR, a trained therapist guides the patient through sets of side-to-side eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while recalling difficult memories, which is thought to help the brain reprocess them. EMDR is an evidence-based treatment recognized by major clinical guidelines.

Also known as: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

Care that is grounded in scientific research showing it works for a specific condition, rather than treatments based only on tradition or opinion. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression, EMDR for trauma, and FDA-approved medications managed by qualified prescribers. Oasis of Hope uses evidence-based approaches across psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy.

Also known as: evidence-based care, evidence-based practice, EBP

A set of mental skills that help with planning, focusing, remembering instructions, managing time, and switching between tasks. Difficulties with executive function are common in ADHD and can also appear in depression, anxiety, and after head injury. Treatment may include skills coaching, psychotherapy, and, when appropriate, medication management.

Also known as: executive functioning, executive skills

A form of psychotherapy that involves family members working together with a therapist to improve communication, resolve conflict, and support a loved one's mental health. Family therapy can be especially helpful when treating adolescents, eating disorders, substance use, and major life transitions. Sessions focus on patterns within the family system rather than placing blame on any one person.

Also known as: family counseling, family systems therapy

A condition marked by persistent, excessive worry about many areas of life, such as work, health, family, or finances, on most days for at least six months. Common symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep problems. GAD is one of the most common forms of anxiety and responds well to psychotherapy, medication management, or a combination of both.

Also known as: generalized anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder

The natural emotional response to loss, including the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, loss of health, or other significant changes. Grief can include sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, and physical symptoms, and its course varies from person to person. When grief becomes prolonged or severely disabling, it may meet criteria for prolonged grief disorder and benefit from psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication management.

Also known as: bereavement, mourning, prolonged grief

A form of psychotherapy in which a small group of patients meets regularly with one or more trained therapists to work on shared concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, or substance use. Group members give and receive support, practice new skills, and learn from others facing similar challenges. Group therapy can be used on its own or alongside individual therapy and medication management.

Also known as: group counseling, therapy group

A sensory experience that feels real but is not based on an external source, such as hearing voices, seeing things others do not see, or feeling sensations on the skin without cause. Hallucinations can occur in psychotic disorders, severe bipolar disorder or depression, substance use, sleep deprivation, neurological conditions, and certain medical illnesses. They are a signal to seek a thorough psychiatric evaluation so the underlying cause can be identified and treated.

Also known as: hallucinations, perceptual disturbance

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a U.S. federal law that sets national standards for protecting the privacy and security of personal health information. Mental health providers, including Oasis of Hope, are required to follow HIPAA rules when storing, sharing, and discussing patient records. Patients have the right to access their records, request corrections, and know how their information may be used.

Also known as: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, health privacy law

A state of heightened alertness in which a person constantly scans their surroundings for danger, often after experiencing trauma. It is a common symptom of PTSD and severe anxiety, and can lead to trouble sleeping, irritability, exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment often combines trauma-focused psychotherapy such as EMDR with medication management when needed.

Also known as: hyperarousal, heightened startle response

A milder form of mania seen in bipolar disorder, involving elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, and racing thoughts that last at least four days. Unlike full mania, hypomania does not cause severe impairment or psychotic symptoms, but it can still affect judgment, relationships, and work. Recognizing hypomanic episodes is important for accurate diagnosis during a psychiatric evaluation and for guiding medication management.

Also known as: hypomanic episode

The ability to pause before acting on an urge, thought, or emotion. Difficulty with impulse control is a feature of several conditions, including ADHD, bipolar disorder during mania, substance use disorders, and certain personality disorders. Treatment often combines psychotherapy (such as CBT or DBT) with medication management when an underlying condition is identified.

Also known as: impulsivity, impulse-control disorder

Persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, despite having the opportunity to sleep. Insomnia frequently occurs alongside depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain. First-line treatment is typically cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), with sleep-supporting medications considered through medication management when needed.

Also known as: sleeplessness

A short-term, structured form of psychotherapy that focuses on how relationships and life transitions affect mood. IPT typically runs 12 to 16 weeks and addresses areas such as grief, role disputes, role transitions, and social isolation. It has strong evidence for treating depression, including postpartum depression, and is sometimes used for eating disorders and other mood concerns.

Also known as: IPT

A distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood lasting at least one week, along with increased energy or activity. Symptoms can include reduced need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, inflated self-esteem, and risky behavior. Mania is the defining feature of bipolar I disorder; a less severe form called hypomania occurs in bipolar II. See bipolar disorder for diagnosis and treatment information.

Also known as: manic episode

An older class of antidepressant medications that work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. MAOIs can be effective for depression that has not responded to other treatments, but they require dietary restrictions and careful attention to drug interactions. Use is supervised through close medication management.

Also known as: monoamine oxidase inhibitor, MAOIs

Ongoing clinical care focused on prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychiatric medications. Appointments review symptoms, side effects, dosages, and how the medication is working in daily life, with changes made when needed. This service is typically provided by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. Learn more about how Oasis of Hope handles medication management and what to expect at appointments.

Also known as: med management, psychiatric medication management

An evidence-based approach to treating opioid and alcohol use disorders that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT medications reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus on recovery. Oasis of Hope offers MAT as part of addiction treatment, with prescribing handled through medication management and supported by psychotherapy.

Also known as: medication-assisted treatment, MOUD, medications for opioid use disorder

A structured clinical assessment a psychiatric provider performs during an evaluation to observe a patient's appearance, behavior, mood, thought process, speech, cognition, insight, and judgment. The MSE is the psychiatric equivalent of a physical exam and helps guide diagnosis and treatment planning. It is a standard part of every psychiatric evaluation and is often briefly repeated at follow-up visits.

Also known as: MSE, mental status examination

The practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness and without judgment. In mental health care, mindfulness techniques are incorporated into therapies such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), DBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to reduce rumination, manage anxiety, and prevent depressive relapse. Mindfulness is a skill built through regular practice rather than a single technique.

Also known as: mindfulness-based therapy, MBCT

Community-based psychiatric care delivered to patients in their homes or other locations outside a traditional office setting. Mobile treatment supports individuals with serious mental illness who may have difficulty attending regular appointments due to symptoms, transportation barriers, or other challenges. Oasis of Hope offers mobile treatment services as part of its commitment to accessible care across Maryland.

Also known as: mobile psychiatric services, in-home psychiatric care

A category of mental health conditions in which a disturbance in mood is the primary symptom. Mood disorders include depression, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression. Diagnosis is made through a psychiatric evaluation, and treatment usually combines psychotherapy and medication management.

Also known as: affective disorder, mood disorders

The brain's ability to change its structure and function over time in response to experience, learning, and treatment. Neuroplasticity is the biological basis for why psychotherapy and medication can produce lasting change, as new patterns of thought and behavior gradually reshape neural pathways. It also helps explain why recovery from conditions like depression and anxiety takes time: the brain is rebuilding, not just resetting.

Also known as: brain plasticity, neural plasticity

A chemical messenger that carries signals between nerve cells in the brain. Common neurotransmitters involved in mental health include serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA. Many psychiatric medications work by adjusting how these chemicals are released, absorbed, or broken down. For example, SSRIs increase available serotonin to help treat depression and anxiety.

Also known as: brain chemical

An unwanted, intrusive thought, image, or urge that repeats and causes distress, even when the person knows it is irrational. Obsessions are a core feature of OCD and differ from ordinary worries because they feel difficult to dismiss or control. Common themes include contamination, harm, symmetry, or unwanted taboo thoughts.

Also known as: intrusive thoughts

A mental health condition involving recurring obsessions (unwanted intrusive thoughts) and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the distress those thoughts cause. The cycle can consume hours each day and interfere with work, relationships, and daily life. Effective treatment for OCD typically combines a specific form of psychotherapy called exposure and response prevention with medication when appropriate.

Also known as: obsessive-compulsive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder

A sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes and includes physical symptoms such as racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, or a feeling of unreality. Panic attacks can happen unexpectedly or in response to a trigger, and they are often mistaken for a heart attack the first time they occur. A single panic attack does not mean a person has panic disorder, but recurring attacks should be evaluated by a clinician.

An anxiety condition defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worry about having more of them, often leading people to avoid places or situations associated with past attacks. It is treatable, and most people improve significantly with a combination of psychotherapy and, when indicated, medication. Learn more about how we treat panic disorder.

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a brief nine-item screening tool used by clinicians to assess the severity of depression symptoms over the past two weeks. Each item is scored 0 to 3, producing a total that helps guide treatment decisions and track progress over time. The PHQ-9 is commonly used during a psychiatric evaluation and at follow-up visits, but it is a screening aid, not a diagnosis on its own.

Also known as: Patient Health Questionnaire-9, depression screening

A registered nurse with advanced graduate training who is licensed to diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and provide psychotherapy. PMHNPs work across the lifespan and can serve as a patient's primary mental health provider in most states, including Maryland. Learn more about working with a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Oasis of Hope.

Also known as: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner

A form of depression that develops during pregnancy or in the weeks and months after childbirth, going beyond the temporary baby blues. Symptoms can include persistent sadness, exhaustion that rest does not fix, difficulty bonding with the baby, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of guilt or inadequacy. Postpartum depression is common, medical, and treatable; most parents recover with appropriate care, which may include psychotherapy, medication, and support.

Also known as: PPD, perinatal depression

A structured first appointment in which a psychiatric clinician gathers information about a patient's symptoms, history, medical background, medications, and goals to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. It typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes and may include standardized tools such as the PHQ-9. Our psychiatric evaluation is the starting point for new patients; see what to expect at your first visit.

Also known as: psych eval, diagnostic evaluation, intake

A symptom in which a person loses some contact with shared reality, typically involving hallucinations (perceiving things others do not) or delusions (firmly held beliefs that are not true). Psychosis is not a diagnosis by itself; it can occur in conditions like schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, or severe depression, and it can also be triggered by substances, medical illness, or extreme sleep deprivation. It is treatable, and earlier care generally leads to better outcomes.

Treatment for mental health conditions delivered through structured conversation with a trained clinician, sometimes called talk therapy. Different approaches, including CBT, DBT, supportive therapy, and others, are matched to the condition and the patient. Psychotherapy is effective on its own for many conditions and is often combined with medication for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.

Also known as: talk therapy, therapy, counseling

A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, marked by intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in mood and thinking, and heightened reactivity such as being easily startled. Symptoms must persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life to meet diagnostic criteria. PTSD responds well to trauma-focused psychotherapy and, when indicated, medication.

Also known as: post-traumatic stress disorder, post traumatic stress disorder

A return of symptoms after a period of improvement or recovery. Relapse is common in chronic conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, and it does not mean treatment has failed. It usually signals that the plan needs adjustment. Recognizing early warning signs and staying connected to care lowers the risk and shortens recovery when relapse occurs.

Also known as: recurrence

A period when symptoms of a mental health condition are significantly reduced or absent, allowing the person to function close to their baseline. Remission is the goal of treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety, but it is not the same as cure. Many patients continue medication or psychotherapy to maintain remission and prevent relapse.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and perceives reality. Symptoms can include hallucinations (such as hearing voices), delusions (fixed false beliefs), disorganized thinking, and reduced motivation or emotional expression. It typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood and is managed long-term with antipsychotic medication, psychotherapy, and supportive services. Early treatment improves outcomes, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be evaluated by a clinician.

Also known as: schizophrenic disorder

Screening is the use of a short, standardized questionnaire to flag whether someone may have a mental health condition that warrants a fuller evaluation. Common tools include the PHQ-9 for depression, the GAD-7 for anxiety, and the AUDIT for alcohol use. A positive screen is not a diagnosis; it is a prompt for a more thorough psychiatric evaluation with a clinician.

Also known as: mental health screening, screening tool

Side effects are unintended physical or mental reactions caused by a medication, separate from its intended therapeutic action. Common psychiatric medication side effects can include nausea, drowsiness, headache, changes in appetite or sleep, or sexual changes; most are mild and improve over the first few weeks. Patients should report any new or troubling symptoms to their prescriber rather than stopping a medication on their own, as abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal. Medication management visits exist in part to monitor and adjust for side effects.

Also known as: adverse effects, adverse reactions

SNRI stands for serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a class of antidepressant medications that raises levels of two brain chemicals involved in mood and energy. SNRIs are commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety disorders, and certain chronic pain conditions. Like SSRIs, they typically take four to six weeks to reach full effect and may cause initial side effects such as nausea or sleep changes. A prescriber can help decide whether an SNRI is the right fit during medication management.

Also known as: serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressant medications. SSRIs work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain and are first-line treatments for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD. They generally take four to six weeks to reach full effect and may cause initial side effects such as nausea, headache, or sleep changes that often ease over time. SSRIs are not addictive, but should be tapered under a clinician's guidance to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Also known as: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Stigma refers to the negative attitudes, stereotypes, or shame that society or individuals attach to mental health conditions. It can keep people from seeking care, disclosing symptoms to loved ones, or staying in treatment. Stigma is one reason many people wait years between first noticing symptoms and contacting a clinician. Mental health conditions are medical conditions, and seeking a psychiatric evaluation is no different from seeing a doctor for any other health concern.

Also known as: mental health stigma

Stimulant medications are a class of prescription drugs that increase activity of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving focus, attention, and impulse control. They are an effective first-line treatment for ADHD in both children and adults. Because they are controlled substances, stimulants require careful prescribing, regular follow-up, and monitoring for side effects like reduced appetite, sleep changes, or increased heart rate. A clinician decides on stimulant use during medication management and may also consider non-stimulant alternatives.

Also known as: stimulants, ADHD medication

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition in which a person continues to use alcohol or drugs despite significant harm to their health, relationships, or daily functioning. It exists on a spectrum from mild to severe and often co-occurs with other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Treatment combines medication management, psychotherapy, and peer support; addiction treatment often addresses both the substance use and any co-occurring conditions together. SUD is treatable, and recovery is possible at any stage.

Also known as: SUD, addiction

Suicidal ideation is the clinical term for thoughts about ending one's own life, ranging from passing thoughts to specific plans. It is a symptom that can occur in depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance use disorder, and other conditions, and it warrants prompt clinical attention. If you or someone you know is having these thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if there is immediate danger. Treatment helps, and most people who receive care for suicidal thoughts go on to recover.

Also known as: suicidal thoughts, SI

Telepsychiatry is the delivery of psychiatric care, including psychiatric evaluation and medication management, through secure live video. Research shows it is as effective as in-person care for most conditions and reduces barriers like travel, time off work, and limited local provider availability. Oasis of Hope offers telepsychiatry to patients across Maryland from our Waldorf office, so a clinician is accessible wherever you live in the state. Visits require a private space, a stable internet connection, and a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera.

Also known as: telehealth psychiatry, virtual psychiatry, online psychiatry

The therapeutic alliance is the collaborative, trusting relationship between a patient and their clinician, built on shared treatment goals and mutual respect. Decades of research show it is one of the strongest predictors of treatment success, often more important than the specific type of therapy used. A strong alliance takes time and depends on feeling heard, safe, and able to disagree openly with your clinician. If the fit does not feel right after a few sessions, it is reasonable to discuss it or to seek a different provider.

Also known as: working alliance, treatment alliance

Trauma is the emotional and physiological response to an event or series of events that overwhelmed a person's ability to cope, such as abuse, assault, accidents, combat, medical events, or sudden loss. Not everyone exposed to a traumatic event develops a disorder, but trauma can contribute to PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder. Effective treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapy, often combined with medication. Recovery is possible, and care is delivered using a trauma-informed care approach.

Also known as: psychological trauma, traumatic experience

Trauma-informed care is an approach to clinical practice that recognizes how common trauma is and how it can shape a person's symptoms, behavior, and response to treatment. Its core principles are safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, and it aims to avoid re-traumatizing patients during care. In practice this means explaining what to expect, asking before touching or examining, offering choices about pacing, and treating the person rather than only the symptom. Oasis of Hope uses this approach across all services.

Also known as: TIC, trauma-informed approach

A treatment plan is a written, individualized roadmap a clinician develops with the patient after a psychiatric evaluation. It typically lists the working diagnoses, agreed-upon goals, specific interventions (such as medication, psychotherapy, or referrals), and how progress will be measured. Treatment plans are not fixed; they are reviewed and updated as symptoms change and goals are met. Knowing the plan helps patients feel oriented and active in their own care, which is a key part of what to expect from psychiatric treatment.

Also known as: care plan, plan of care

Withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person reduces or stops using a substance their body has adapted to, including alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, nicotine, and some prescription medications. Symptoms vary by substance and can range from mild discomfort to medically dangerous, particularly with alcohol and benzodiazepines, which can cause seizures. Some antidepressants can also cause a milder discontinuation syndrome if stopped abruptly, which is why tapering under a prescriber's guidance matters. Medically supervised treatment through addiction treatment makes withdrawal safer and more tolerable.

Also known as: discontinuation syndrome