Introduction to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex and debilitating mental health condition classified within the trauma and stressor-related disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This condition arises following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, whether the exposure is […]
Definition and Nomenclature Functional amnesia is an acquired form of memory disturbance characterized by a profound and sudden inability to access specific autobiographical memories, often including core identity details such as one’s name, age, or personal history (Kopelman, 1987). This condition falls under the broader category of dissociative disorders and is frequently referred to clinically […]
Introduction to Susto: A Culture-Bound Syndrome Susto, often translated as fright sickness or espanto, represents a pervasive and historically significant culture-bound syndrome recognized throughout much of Latin America, particularly in Indigenous, Mestizo, and Hispanic communities stretching from the Andean highlands to Mesoamerican regions. At its core, Susto is defined by the profound belief that following […]
Affective Discharge Understanding Affective Discharge: A Core Definition Affective discharge is fundamentally defined as an intense emotional reaction that manifests following exposure to a traumatic event. This response is not merely a transient feeling but typically involves a profound and overwhelming experience of emotions such as anger, sadness, fear, guilt, and confusion. It represents a […]
Situational Psychosis Understanding Situational Psychosis: A Core Definition Situational psychosis, often referred to in clinical contexts as an acute and transient psychotic disorder or an acute and transient psychotic episode, represents a distinct and challenging psychiatric condition. At its core, it is characterized by the sudden and often dramatic onset of psychotic symptoms that are […]
Emergency Psychotherapy Understanding Emergency Psychotherapy: A Core Definition Emergency psychotherapy represents a specialized, short-term, and highly intensive therapeutic modality primarily designed to assist individuals confronting acute psychological distress that arises directly from exposure to profoundly traumatic or crisis-inducing events. At its fundamental core, this intervention aims to provide immediate psychological stabilization and support, mitigating the […]