Abience

An urge to withdraw or avoid a situation or an object

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a disorder that is defined through analysis of behaviour. Individuals with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity

Agoraphobia

A disorder involving anxiety about situations from which escape would be difficult or embarrassing or places where there might be no help if a panic attack occurred

Amygdala

The part of the brain responsible for emotional and behavioural reactions

Amnesia

Partial or total loss of memory

Animism

The belief that inanimate objects are alive

Anorexia nervosa

A disorder characterised by refusal to maintain a body weight in the normal range, intense fear about gaining weight, and highly distorted body image

Antipsychotic

Tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired

Antisocial personality disorder

A disorder characterised by a lack of conscience and lack of respect for other people’s rights, feelings, and needs, beginning by age fifteen

Anxiety

An unpleasant emotion in anticipation of a misfortune

Aphasia

The inability to use language because of a brain lesion

Association theory

A psychology theory that association is the basic principle of mental activity

Atomism

A psychology theory that reduces all mental phenomena to simple elements (sensations and feelings) that form complex ideas by association

Attachment

The close bond between babies and their caregivers

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent difficulties in social interaction and communication, and stereotypic (rigid and repetitive) behaviours, resistance to change or restricted interests. Also, difficulty with cognitive and behavioural flexibility and emotional regulation difficulties may be presenting features

Avoidant personality disorder

A disorder involving social withdrawal, low self-esteem, and extreme sensitivity to being evaluated negatively