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Decoding Mental Health Acronyms: Your Essential Guide

  • Writer: Jamey Hughes
    Jamey Hughes
  • Jan 20
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 3

Mental health conversations often include acronyms. Here's a simplified, categorized list to make sense of them:


Common Mental Health Disorders

  1. MDD (Major Depressive Disorder): Severe, persistent depression.

  2. PDD (Persistent Depressive Disorder): Chronic, less severe depression.

  3. GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder): Excessive, long-term worry.

  4. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder): Depression tied to seasonal changes.

  5. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): Symptoms following trauma.

  6. OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder): Intrusive thoughts and compulsive actions.

  7. BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder): Emotional instability and relationship challenges.

  8. ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder): Affects communication and behavior.

  9. SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder): Difficulty processing sensory information.

  10. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Impacts focus and impulse control.

    Therapies and Treatments

  11. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation): Non-invasive treatment for depression​​.

  12. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Changing negative thought patterns.

  13. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Combines mindfulness and emotional regulation.

  14. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Processing traumatic memories.

  15. ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Accepting emotions and committing to actions.

  16. ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy): Electrical stimulation for severe depression.

  17. SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor): Common antidepressant medication.

  18. SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor): A type of antidepressant.


Less Common or Specialized Conditions


  • PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder): Emotional symptoms before menstruation.

  • FND (Functional Neurological Disorder): Neurological symptoms without clear cause.

  • NSSI (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury): Self-harm without suicidal intent.

  • SUD (Substance Use Disorder): Struggles with substance control.

  • SPD (Schizotypal Personality Disorder): Eccentric behaviors and thoughts.

  • RMDD (Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder): Frequent episodes of depression.

  • NT (Neurotypical): Refers to individuals without neurological or developmental conditions.



Understanding these terms is just the beginning. If you’re seeking advanced and compassionate mental health care, we’re here to help. At Idea Provo, we offer specialized treatments like TMS and ketamine therapy to address your unique needs.

To learn more or schedule an appointment:


  • Visit us: Idea Provo

  • Call us: (801) 960-9355

  • Text us: (801) 704-7850

 
 
 

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