A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
J |
K |
L |
M |
N
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
X |
Y |
Z
[back to top]
adolescence - a period of life in which the biological and
psychosocial transition from childhood to adulthood occurs.
adolescent medicine - a subspeciality of pediatric medicine with
a focus on providing holistic healthcare to adolescent patients and
treating medical problems that are common during adolescence.
affective disorder (Also known as mood disorder.) - a category
of mental health problems that include depressive disorders.
agoraphobia - a Greek word that literally means "fear of the
marketplace." This anxiety disorder involves the fear of experiencing a
panic attack in a place or situation from which escape may be difficult or
embarrassing.
amenorrhea, primary - from the beginning and lifelong;
menstruation never begins at puberty.
amenorrhea, secondary - due to some physical cause and usually
of later onset; a condition in which menstrual periods which were at one
time normal and regular become increasing abnormal and irregular or
absent.
anorexia nervosa (Also called anorexia.) - an eating disorder
characterized by low body weight (less than 85 percent of normal weight
for height and age), a distorted body image, and an intense fear of
gaining weight.
areola - dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple of the
breast.
Asperger's disorder - One type of pervasive developmental
disorder.
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - a behavior
disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by
inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.
[back to top]
binge eating disorder - a disorder that resembles bulimia
nervosa and is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating (or
bingeing). It differs from bulimia, however, because its sufferers do not
purge their bodies of the excess food, via vomiting, laxative abuse, or
diuretic abuse.
bingeing - a destructive pattern of excessively overeating.
body mass index (BMI) - a measure to determine the amount of
body fat and amount of lean body mass.
bulimia nervosa (Also known as bulimia.) - a disease in which
there is uncontrolled episodes of overeating that are usually followed
with purging (self-induced vomiting), misuse of laxatives, enemas,
medications, fasting, or excessive exercise to decrease weight.
[back to top]
cervicitis - an inflammation of the cervix by a number of
different organisms.
cervix -the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located
between the bladder and the rectum. It forms a canal that opens into the
vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.
chlamydial infection - very common sexually transmitted disease
caused by a bacteria-like organism in the urethra and reproductive system.
chronic - a problem that lasts for a long time.
cognitive development - development of the ability to think and
reason.
communication disorders - communication disorders are
developmental disorders that include expressive language disorder, which
focuses on developmental delays and difficulties in the ability to produce
speech, and mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, which focuses on
developmental delays and difficulties in the ability to understand spoken
language and produce speech.
cyst - a closed sac in or under the skin that is filled with
fluid or semisolid material. Breast cysts are generally benign.
[back to top]
delusions - a perception that is thought to be true by the
person experiencing it, although the perception is wrong.
depression - a mood disorder characterized by extreme feelings
of sadness, lack of self-worth, and dejection.
disintegrative psychosis (Also called childhood disintegrative
disorder.) - one type of pervasive developmental disorder that is
characterized by a marked regression in multiple areas of functioning
following a period of at least two years of apparently normal development.
disorder of written expression - a difficulty with writing
skills such as understanding grammar or punctuation, spelling, paragraph
organization, or composing written information.
ducts - narrow tube structures or channels that carry body
fluids. In the breast, ducts transport milk from the lobules to the
nipple.
dyslexia - a reading disorder characterized by reading ability
below the expected level given a child's age, school grade, and
intelligence.
dysmenorrhea - pain or discomfort experienced just before or during
a menstrual period.
dysmenorrhea, primary - from the beginning and usually lifelong;
often severe and frequent menstrual cramping caused by uterine
contractions.
dysmenorrhea, secondary - due to some physical cause and usually
of later onset; painful menstrual periods caused by an another medical
condition present in the body (i.e., pelvic inflammatory disease,
endometriosis).
dysthymia (Also known as dysthymic disorder.) - classified as a
type of affective disorder (or mood disorder) that often resembles a less
severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression. Persons with
dysthymia may also experience major depressive episodes at times.
[back to top]
eating disorders - abnormal eating behaviors.
endometriosis - a condition in which tissue resembling that of
the endometrium grows outside the uterus, on or near the ovaries or
fallopian tubes, or in other areas of the pelvic cavity.
endometrium - mucous membrane lining of the inner surface of the
uterus that grows during each menstrual cycle and is shed in menstrual
blood.
endorphins - chemicals in the brain that are responsible for
positive moods.
estrogen - a group of hormones secreted by the ovaries which
affect many aspects of the female body, including a female's menstrual
cycle and normal sexual and reproductive development.
expressive language disorder - a communication disorder
identified by developmental delays and difficulties in the ability to
produce speech.
[back to top]
fibrocystic breast disease (Also called fibroid breasts or
generalized breast lumpiness.) - noncancerous irregularities and
lumpiness in the breast tissue.
follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) - hormone secreted by the
pituitary gland in the brain that stimulates the growth and maturation of
eggs in females and sperm in males, and sex hormone production in both
males and females.
[back to top]
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - a mental disorder
characterized by chronic, excessive worry and fear that seems to have no
real cause. Children or adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder
often worry a lot about things such as future events, past behaviors,
social acceptance, family matters, their personal abilities, and/or school
performance.
genitals - external sex organs.
genital herpes - a sexually transmitted disease caused by the
herpes simplex virus.
genital warts - a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human
papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts may be precursor to cervical cancer.
gonorrhea - a common sexually transmitted disease causing
inflammation of the genital mucous membranes. It may involve the upper and
lower genital tracts, the bladder and kidneys, and may spread to other
structures via the bloodstream.
[back to top]
hallucinations - a strong perception of an event or object when
no such situation is present; may occur in any of the senses (i.e.,
visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, or tactile).
homosexual - of, referring to, or denoting the same sex.
human papillomaviruses (HPVs) - a group of viruses that can
cause warts. Some HPVs are sexually transmitted and cause wart-like
growths on the genitals. HPV is associated with some types of cancer.
[back to top]
identity - self knowledge about one's characteristics or
personality. A sense of self.
[back to top]
juvenile delinquent - a person who acts illegally and is not old
enough to be treated as an adult under the laws of the community.
[back to top]
[back to top]
learning disorder - learning disorders are characterized by
difficulties in an academic area (either reading, mathematics, or written
expression) such that the child's ability to achieve in the specific
academic area is below what is expected for the child's age, schooling,
and level of intelligence.
lobe - a roundish projection of any structure. In the breast,
lobes of the mammary glands radiate from the central area to the nipple
area like wheel spokes.
lobule - a subdivision of a lobe in the breast.
[back to top]
major depression (Also known as clinical depression or unipolar
depression.) - classified as a type of affective disorder (or mood
disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, and has
become a serious medical condition and important health concern in this
country.
mania - a mood disorder which may be characterized by extreme
elation, impulsivity, irritability, rapid speech, nervousness,
distractibility, and/or poor judgment.
manic depression (Also known as bipolar disorder.) - classified
as a type of affective disorder (or mood disorder) that goes beyond the
day's ordinary ups and downs. Manic depression is characterized by
periodic episodes of extreme elation, elevated mood, or irritability (also
called mania) countered by periodic, classic depressive symptoms.
mathematics disorder - a learning disorder in which a child has
problems with skills related to numbers such as counting, copying numbers
correctly, adding and carrying numbers, learning multiplication tables,
recognizing mathematical signs, and understanding mathematical operations.
menarche - a young woman's first menstrual period.
menses - menstrual flow.
menstruation - a cyclical process of the endometrium shedding
its lining, along with discharge from the cervix and vagina, from the
vaginal opening. This process results from the mature egg cell (ovum) not
being fertilized by a sperm cell as it travels from one of the ovaries
down a fallopian tube to the uterus, in the process called ovulation.
mixed receptive-expressive language disorder - a communication
disorder that identifies developmental delays and difficulties in the
ability to understand spoken language and produce speech.
mood disorder (Also known as affective disorder.) - a category
of mental health problems which includes depressive disorders.
[back to top]
neurotransmitters - chemicals in the brain that regulate other
chemicals in the brain.
nocturnal emissions (Also called wet dreams.) - unintentional
release of semen while sleeping.
[back to top]
obesity - a generalized accumulation of body fat.
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - an anxiety disorder in
which a person has an unreasonable thought, fear, or worry that he/she
tries to manage through a ritualized activity to reduce the anxiety.
Frequently occurring disturbing thoughts or images are called obsessions,
and the rituals performed to try to prevent or dispel them are called
compulsions.
orthodontics - orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses
on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the
teeth, bite, and jaws.
ovaries - the two female reproductive organs located in the
pelvis.
overweight - increased body size with increased lean body mass
and without excess accumulation of body fat.
ovulation - release of a mature egg from an ovary.
ovum - a mature egg cell released during ovulation from an
ovary.
[back to top]
panic disorder - characterized by chronic, repeated, and
unexpected panic attack bouts of overwhelming fear of being in danger when
there is no specific cause for the fear. In-between panic attacks, persons
with panic disorder worry excessively about when and where the next attack
may occur.
papilla - any type of nipple shaped object, such as the nipple
of the breast.
Pap test (Also called Pap smear.) - Test that involves
microscopic examination of cells collected from the cervix during a pelvic
examination, used to detect changes that may be cancer or may lead to
cancer, and to show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or
inflammation.
pelvic examination - an internal examination of the uterus, vagina,
ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum.
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - inflammation of the pelvic
organs caused by a type of bacteria.
periodontal diseases (Also called gum diseases.) - serious
bacterial infections that destroy the gums and the surrounding tissues of
the mouth.
periodontist - a specialist in the field of dentistry
responsible for the care and prevention of gum-related diseases, guided
bone regeneration, and dental implants.
pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) - usually found in the
early years of a child's life. Children with PDD have difficulty in areas
of development or use of functional skills such as language,
communication, social skills, and motor behaviors.
phobia - an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a
specific object, situation, or activity.
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - an anxiety disorder
characterized by a terrifying physical or emotional event (trauma) causing
the person who survived the event to have persistent, frightening thoughts
and memories, or flashbacks, of the ordeal. Persons with PTSD often feel
chronically, emotionally numb.
premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - a group of physical and emotional
symptoms that some women experience during their menstrual cycle. Although
the symptoms usually cease with onset of the menstrual period, in some
women, symptoms may last through and after their menstrual periods.
primary sexual characteristics - internal and external
reproductive organs in males and females (i.e., uterus and testes).
progesterone - female hormone.
psychiatric nurse - a Masters-prepared clinical specialist in
psychiatric mental health nursing. A psychiatric nurse is educationally
and clinically trained in psychopathology, individual, group, family
therapy, and crisis intervention.
psychiatrist - a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) who
specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental
disorders. Their medical and psychiatric training prepares them to treat
adults and children either individually, as part of and involving the
family unit, and/or in a group setting. Psychiatrists can prescribe
medications, if needed.
psychologist - a licensed mental health professional (Ph.D. or
Psy.D.) who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of
mental disorders. Training prepares clinical psychologists to treat adults
and children either individually, as part of and involving the family
unit, and/or in a group setting. Psychologists also conduct cognitive,
academic, and personality testing.
puberty - a sequence of events by which a child becomes a young
adult; characterized by secretions of hormones, development of secondary
sexual characteristics, reproductive functions, and growth spurts.
purging - persons with bulimia nervosa engage in a destructive
pattern of ridding their bodies of the excess calories (to control their
weight) by vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, taking enemas, and/or
exercising obsessively - a process called purging.
[back to top]
[back to top]
reading disorder - a learning disorder characterized by reading
abilities below the expected level for her/his age, school grade, and
intelligence.
Rett's disorder - One type of pervasive developmental disorder
which occurs most often in girls and is characterized by the development
of multiple specific deficits following a period of normal functioning
after birth.
[back to top]
schizophrenia - one of the most complex of all mental health
disorders; characterized by distorted thinking, strange feelings, and
unusual behavior and use of language; involves a severe, chronic, and
disabling disturbance of the brain.
scoliosis - a disorder of the spine in which the spine shows
evidence of a lateral, or sideways, curvature, and a rotation of the
backbones. This gives the appearance that the person is leaning to one
side.
secondary sexual characteristics - the physical characteristics
of males and females that are not involved in reproduction (i.e., voice
changes, body shape, pubic hair distribution, facial hair) but develop at
puberty.
selective mutism - the inability to speak in specific social
situations in a child or adolescent who can and does speak in other
situations.
self-esteem - feelings about one's self.
sexually transmitted disease (STD) - infection spread through
sexual intercourse and other intimate sexual contact.
social phobia - an anxiety disorder in which a person has
significant anxiety and discomfort related to a fear of being embarrassed,
humiliated, or scorned by others in social or performance situations.
specific phobia - a type of phobia characterized by extreme fear
of an object or situation that is not harmful under general conditions.
suicidal behavior - actions taken by one who is considering or
preparing to cause his/her own death.
suicidal ideation - thoughts of suicide or wanting to take one's
life.
suicide - the intentional taking of one's own life.
suicide attempt - an act focused on taking one's life that is
unsuccessful in causing death.
syphilis - a disease, usually transmitted by sexual contact,
whose initial symptom is a painless open sore that usually appears on the
penis or around or in the vagina. If untreated, syphilis may go on to more
advanced stages, including a transient rash and, eventually, serious
involvement of the heart and central nervous system.
[back to top]
Tourette's syndrome (TS) - A tic disorder characterized by
repeated involuntary movements and uncontrollable vocal sounds. This
disorder usually begins during childhood or early adolescence.
trichomoniasis - very common type of vaginitis caused by a
single-celled organism usually transmitted during sexual contact.
[back to top]
urethra - narrow channel through which urine passes from the
bladder out of the body.
uterus (Also called the womb.) - a hollow, pear-shaped organ
located in a female's lower abdomen, between the bladder and the rectum.
[back to top]
vagina (Also called the birth canal.) -the passageway through
which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods. The vagina
connects the cervix (the opening of the womb, or uterus) and the vulva
(the external genitalia).
vaginitis - inflammation, redness, or swelling of the vaginal
tissues; usually resulting from a bacterial infection.
vaginitis, bacterial - very common vaginal infection
characterized by symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge or itching,
burning, or redness in the genital area.
vaginitis, noninfectious - a type of vaginitis that usually
refers to vaginal irritation without an infection being present. Most
often, the infection is caused by an allergic reaction to, or irritation
from, vaginal sprays, douches, or spermicidal products. It may also be
caused by sensitivity to perfumed soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners.
vaginitis, viral - very common vaginal infection, often sexually
transmitted, that is caused by one of many different types of viruses
(i.e., herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus).
vulva - external, visible part of the female genital area.
vulvitis - an inflammation of the vulva, the soft folds of skin
outside the vagina. This is not a condition but rather a symptom that
results from a host of diseases, infections, injuries, allergies, and
other irritants.
[back to top]
[back to top]
[back to top]
yeast infection (Also called Candida.) - one type of
vaginitis caused by the Candida fungus characterized by itching, burning,
or redness of the vaginal area.
[back to top]
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.
|