• Specialty
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• Neuro-Psych
  • Lots of Neuro-Psych Terms
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  • Cranial Nerves (I-XII)
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  • Glasgow Coma Scale
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  • Neuro/Psych Medications
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  • Sleep Related Abbreviations
  • Sleep Related Terms
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  • Tumors - Neuro
  • Sample Reports - Neurosurgery
  • Sample Reports - Sleep Medicine
  • Sample Reports - Psychiatry / Psychology
  • Sample Reports - Neurology

• Mental Health Related Terms

- H -

• Hallucination

A sensory perception that has the compelling sense of reality of a true perception but that occurs without external stimulation of the relevant sensory organ. Hallucinations should be distinguished from illusions, in which an actual external stimulus is misperceived or misinterpreted. The person may or may not have insight into the fact that he or she is having a hallucination. One person with auditory hallucinations may recognize that he or she is having a false sensory experience, whereas another may be convinced that the source of the sensory experience has an independent physical reality. The term hallucination is not ordinarily applied to the false perceptions that occur during dreaming, while falling asleep (hypnagogic), or when awakening (hypnopompic). Transient hallucinatory experiences may occur in people without a mental disorder.



• Hedonism

Pleasure-seeking behavior. Contrast with anhedonia.



• Histrionic Personality Disorder

People with this disorder are overly conscious of their appearance, are constantly seeking attention, exaggerate emotions and often behave dramatically.



• Hostility

The disposition to inflict harm on another person and/or the actual infliction of harm, either physically or emotionally.



• Hyperactivity

A condition of disturbed behavior characterized by prominent overactivity, distractibility, impulsiveness, difficulty concentrating and aggressiveness.



• Hyperacusis

Inordinate sensitivity to sounds; it may be on an emotional or an organic basis.



• Hypersomnia

Excessive sleepiness, as evidenced by prolonged nocturnal sleep, difficulty maintaining an alert awake state during the day, or undesired daytime sleep episodes. ideas of reference The feeling that casual incidents and external events have a particular and unusual meaning that is specific to the person. This is to be distinguished from a delusion of reference, in which there is a belief that is held with delusional conviction



• Hyperventilation

Abnormally deep or rapid breathing, often seen when someone is anxious.



• Hypnagogic

Referring to the semiconscious state immediately preceding sleep; may include hallucinations that are of no pathological significance.



• Hypochondria

Excessive concern about health.



• Hypomania

An episode of illness that resembles mania, but is less intense and less disabling. Hypomania is characterized by a euphoric mood, unrealistic optimism, increased speech and activity and a decreased need for sleep.