Fifty Mental and Behavioral Health Terms To Know
Thrive • October 5, 2022
Thrive Wellness’ interdisciplinary specialists have compiled a list of mental and behavioral health terms to help deepen understanding, expand awareness, and encourage enlightened conversations about the space. Explore definitions for mental and behavioral health professionals, struggles, treatment approaches, and wellness practices below.
DEFINING MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
- Behavioral health : The ways an individual’s actions affect their physical and mental well-being
- Mental health : A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being
TERMS TO DESCRIBE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
- Therapist : Licensed mental and behavioral health professionals who treat a myriad of mental and behavioral health conditions through psychotherapy
- Psychiatrist : A medical doctor who specializes in prescribing medication for managing mental and behavioral health conditions
- Psychologist : A mental and behavioral health professional that often has a Ph.D. in psychology and can test for mental and behavioral health conditions
TERMS TO DESCRIBE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONCERNS AND CONDITIONS
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) : Potentially traumatic events that occur during one’s youth linked to negative outcomes on physical, mental, and behavioral health
- Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) : An eating disorder characterized by difficulty eating due to sensory aversions, general lack of interest in food, or fear of adverse consequences
- Anorexia nervosa : An eating disorder involving significant weight loss, calorie restriction, and distorted body image
- Anxiety : Feelings of dread, fear, and worry that occur without the presence of a trigger
- Binge eating disorder (BED) : An eating disorder characterized by frequently eating large quantities of food and feeling a loss of control while eating
- Bipolar disorder : A mood disorder characterized by dramatic and sudden emotional highs and lows that last anywhere between hours to months at a time
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) : A mental health diagnosis characterized by a fixation on one’s own perceived body imperfections, which are generally imperceptible to others
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) : A mental health condition that causes a person to experience their emotions much more intensely and for a longer period of time than the average person
- Bulimia nervosa : An eating disorder expressed by frequently eating large quantities of food, feeling a loss of control while eating, and compensatory purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or abusing laxatives
- Comorbidity : The simultaneous presence of two or more mental, behavioral, or physical health conditions in a person, such as an eating disorder and an anxiety disorder
- Diabulimia : A condition that, although not an official medical diagnosis, is recognized by the eating disorder treatment community and describes when insulin-dependent diabetes co-occurs with an eating disorder
- Depression : A mood disorder associated with feelings of deep lasting sadness
- Disordered eating behaviors : Any approaches to feeding oneself that prevent a person from nourishing their body adequately, consistently, and with a wide variety of foods
- Eating disorders : Behavioral health conditions characterized by habitual and harmful disordered eating behaviors, such as calorie restriction, binge eating, or purging, that interfere with one’s ability to carry out daily activities
- Panic attacks : Brief and intense episodes of anxiety that those with panic disorder typically experience
- Panic disorder : An anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent panic attacks often brought on by a heightened sensitivity to bodily sensations, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, quickened pulse, tingling, and numbness
- Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) : A condition that affects youth and limits their intake of food because of medical conditions or deficits in motor skills
- Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) : An array of mental health conditions that may arise during the prenatal period such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis, among others
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) : A mental health condition that a person can develop after direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event characterized by symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, negative changes in mood and cognition, and changes in arousal or reactivity
- Psychosis: A mental health condition characterized by a disconnect from reality
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) : A type of depression commonly beginning in the fall or winter and ending in the spring that interferes with a person’s ability to engage in everyday life and find pleasure in activities that typically spark joy
- Self-harm : Purposefully hurt oneself often as a means of finding relief from emotional pain
- Stress : The body’s natural response to pressure-inducing circumstances, such as deadlines, arguments, or illness
- Sexual assault : Any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim
- Substance use disorder (SUD) : A behavioral health condition characterized by the recurrent use of drugs or alcohol despite harmful effects on one’s life
- Trauma : An emotional response to a distressing event such as abuse, accidents, violence, or the death of a loved one
TERMS TO DESCRIBE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT
- Art therapy : An evidence-based therapeutic intervention that allows clients to express themselves and process their experiences through creative mediums
- Case manager : The main point of contact for clients in higher level of care treatment programs that maintains the flow of information between the client, their family, and their providers, advocates for the client, and helps integrate the client’s personalized treatment plan
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) : A therapeutic modality effective at treating disorders that are complex and co-occurring by helping individuals learn necessary skills for reducing suffering and fostering happiness in their lives
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP) : A treatment structure for specific mental or behavioral health conditions that typically offers clinical care four hours daily, three to five days a week
- Medication management : The use of prescription medication to treat mental and behavioral health conditions
- Mental and behavioral health assessments : A series of questions for new clients seeking mental or behavioral heal th care intended for clinicians to gain an overview of clients’ mental and behavioral health so treatment can align with their needs
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP) : A treatment structure for specific mental or behavioral health conditions that typically offers clinical care six to eight hours daily, five to seven days a week
- Play therapy : A therapeutic modality that implements play as a way for clients to access and convey their inner experiences, rather than asking clients to articulate their thoughts and emotions
- Residential treatment program: A treatment structure for specific mental or behavioral health conditions that typically requires a person to live at a facility and offers full-time care
- Support group : A regular gathering of individuals facing similar challenging circumstances who come together intending to understand their experiences and find comfort
- Treatment team : Interdisciplinary specialists that work together to provide targeted, connected client care
TERMS TO DESCRIBE MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL WELLNESS
- Health at Every Size® (HAES®) movement : An approach that challenges existing public health narratives regarding the belief that weight determines one’s well-being and encourages society to focus on well-being as an attribute that people in all bodies possess
- Intuitive eating : A holistic nutrition framework that focuses on using internal cues rather than external rules to help guide eating and movement choices
- Mind-body wellness : The intertwining influence of one’s mental, emotional, and physical health on overall well-being
- Mindful eating : A nutrition approach that applies the principles of mindfulness to eating experiences by encouraging individuals to focus on the experience of food without judgment or worrying about what’s in the food
- Mindful movement : Physical activity that involves intentionally moving one’s body in an enjoyable way
- Mindfulness : A mental state that characterized by present moment awareness without judgment or interpretation
- Self-care : The practice of intentionally engaging in activities or behaviors that promote one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being based on personal tastes, interests, and needs
- Sleep hygiene : The act of ensuring one’s surroundings, routines, and mindset are aligned with the requirements for optimal sleep
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE AT THRIVE WELLNESS
Skilled at implementing a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions for mental and behavioral health struggles, our interdisciplinary specialists help facilitate clients’ healing and create space for comprehensive wellness. To learn more about our integrated mental and behavioral health services , reach out .
While all Thrive Wellness locations offer interdisciplinary clinical teams who collaborate to treat eating disorders, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and additional mental and behavioral health conditions, programs and services may vary by location.
The post Fifty Mental and Behavioral Health Terms To Know first appeared on Thrive Wellness.
Eating disorders are one of the most serious mental health concerns facing today’s adolescents. They can affect every aspect of a young person’s life, including their physical health, school performance, relationships, self-esteem, and more. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 2.7% of adolescents in the U.S. will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, and many more engage in disordered eating behaviors that may not meet full diagnostic criteria. The good news is that providers are in an influential position to notice early warning signs, open conversations, and connect families to support before these patterns of behavior become too engrained. Why Early Intervention Matters The earlier an eating disorder is identified and treated, the better the treatment outcomes. Research shows that getting support quickly after the disorder’s onset is linked to faster recovery, lower relapse rates, and healthier long-term development (Treasure & Russell, 2011). Waiting too long to seek help can mean medical complications, deeply ingrained behaviors, and a more difficult path to healing. For many adolescents, a caring provider who notices the signs and advocates for treatment can make all the difference in recovery and can even save lives. Recognizing Early Warning Signs Adolescents may not always disclose their struggles directly, so providers should keep an eye out for a range of indicators: Physical signs: noticeable weight changes, menstrual irregularities, digestive issues, dizziness, or fatigue. Behavioral patterns: skipping meals, restrictive eating, excessive exercise, frequent dieting, eating in secret, or leaving for the bathroom after meals. Emotional and cognitive signs: preoccupation with weight or body shape, food rituals, heightened anxiety around eating, or perfectionistic tendencies. It’s important to remember that eating disorders don’t always “look” a certain way. Teens can be distressed about food and body image even if their weight appears to be within a “normal” range. Screening Tools and Assessments Using free screening tools available online can be an effective way to gauge a patient’s needs and gain further insight on treatment options for a possible eating disorder. Here are 4 free screening resources we recommend you use before making a referral for a higher level of care. EDE-Q (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire) : helps assess eating attitudes and behaviors. Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake disorder screen (NIAS) : helps to assess the signs of ARFID in children. Eat 26 Screening Tool : a screening measure to help you determine attitudes towards food and eating. BEDS-7 (Binge Eating Disorder Screener) : for situations where binge eating is suspected. When possible, gathering input from parents, teachers, or coaches can also help, as teens may minimize their experiences out of fear or shame. The Role of Primary Care and Pediatric Providers Routine checkups are often where eating disorders first come to light. Providers treating children, teen, and adolescents can: Incorporate simple questions about eating habits and body image into wellness visits. Track growth charts and weight trends while pairing them with questions about mood, anxiety, and behavior. Foster trust by creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where adolescents feel comfortable sharing sensitive information and know there will be no weight stigma. Coordinating Multidisciplinary Care Supporting a young person with an eating disorder works best when care is collaborative . In order to treat the whole person, there are usually multiple members of a treatment team needed, including: Medical support: monitoring vital signs, lab work, and physical health. Therapeutic care: evidence-based approaches such as family-based therapy (FBT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help address thoughts and behaviors. Nutritional guidance: dietitians provide education, meal support, and reassurance. Family involvement: engaging caregivers empowers them to support recovery in everyday life. Addressing Barriers and Stigma Many families face challenges in seeking help, whether due to stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access to specialists. To help, providers can: Normalize conversations about body image and mental health as part of overall well-being. Use culturally sensitive approaches that honor diverse experiences with food, body, and health. Connect families to community organizations, online resources, or telehealth when in-person specialty care is limited. Eating disorders in adolescents are serious, but with early recognition and timely support, recovery is possible. Providers are often the first to notice changes and can play a vital role in opening doors to crucial support. By blending professional expertise with empathy and collaboration, providers can guide adolescents and their families toward lasting recovery and a healthier future. References National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Eating Disorders . Treasure, J., & Russell, G. (2011). The case for early intervention in anorexia nervosa: theoretical exploration of maintaining factors. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 199(1) , 5–7.
6 Ways to Help Your Teen Open Up About Mental Health
When Emma was 8, her parents noticed her food choices shrinking. At first, they assumed it was just picky eating — “She’ll outgrow it,” friends said. But by 10, Emma would only eat crackers, cheese, and chicken nuggets. Family dinners became nightly struggles, her growth slowed, and she skipped birthday parties to avoid “strange food.” Her parents felt powerless, her brother grew frustrated, and outings dwindled. What began as food avoidance soon reshaped the rhythm of the entire household. When children avoid food, most parents expect it’s a passing stage. But when restriction deepens, shrinks to only a few “safe foods,” and begins affecting growth or health, families suddenly find themselves in unfamiliar territory. This is often where Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) emerges — with effects that extend far beyond the plate. As providers, we need to be attuned to these patterns. It’s tempting to dismiss them as “no big deal,” yet for many families, they are life-altering. Sadly, Emma’s story is not unusual. Mealtimes as Battlegrounds Families living with ARFID often describe mealtimes as emotionally charged, exhausting, and unpredictable. What should be a chance to connect around the table can feel more like a negotiation or even a standoff. Parents wrestle with whether to push their child to try a new food or give in to the same “safe foods” again and again to avoid tears, gagging, or complete meltdowns. This ongoing tension can make mealtimes dreaded rather than cherished. Siblings, too, are affected. Some may feel resentful when family meals are limited to what only one child will tolerate. Others may act out in response to the constant attention the child with ARFID receives. Over time, the dinner table shifts from a place of nourishment and bonding into a stage for conflict, anxiety, and guilt — a pattern that can erode family cohesion and resilience. Social Isolation and Missed Experiences ARFID impacts more than what happens at home; it influences how families engage with the world around them. Everyday events — birthday parties, school lunches, vacations, even extended family dinners — become sources of stress. Parents may pack special foods to avoid confrontation or, in many cases, decline invitations altogether to protect their child from embarrassment or overwhelm. This avoidance can lead to an unintended consequence: isolation. Families miss out on milestones, friendships, and traditions because of the unpredictability surrounding food. The child may feel left out or ashamed, while parents grieve the loss of “normal” family experiences. This social withdrawal can compound the anxiety already present in ARFID and deepen its impact across generations. Emotional Toll on Parents The emotional strain on parents navigating ARFID is significant. Many describe living in a constant state of worry — Will my child get enough nutrients? Will they ever grow out of this? Am I doing something wrong? This worry often spirals into guilt and self-blame, particularly when outside voices dismiss the disorder as mere “picky eating.” In addition, the pressure to “fix” mealtimes can strain marital relationships, creating disagreements over discipline, feeding strategies, or medical decisions. Parents may also feel emotionally depleted, pouring all their energy into managing one child’s needs while inadvertently neglecting themselves or their other children. Without support, this chronic stress can lead to burnout, depression, and disconnection within the family system. The Role of Providers For clinicians, ARFID must be viewed not only as an individual diagnosis but as a family-wide challenge. Effective care requires attention to both the clinical symptoms and the family dynamics that shape recovery. Parent Support: Educating caregivers that ARFID is not their fault, offering psychoeducation, and helping them reframe mealtime struggles as part of the disorder — not a parenting failure. Family-Based Interventions: Coaching families in structured meal support, communication strategies, and gradual exposure work so parents don’t feel powerless. Holistic Care: Involving therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, and medical providers ensures that the family does not shoulder the weight of treatment alone. When families are validated, supported, and given practical tools, the entire household can begin to heal. Treatment is not only about expanding a child’s food repertoire but also about restoring peace, resilience, and connection at home. Moving Forward ARFID may begin with one individual, but its ripple effects are felt across the entire family system. By addressing both the psychological and relational dimensions, providers can help transform mealtimes from a source of conflict into an opportunity for healing and connection. For those who want to go deeper, we invite you to join our upcoming training on ARFID , where we will explore practical strategies for supporting both clients and their families.
