Mental Health Cheat Sheet

The core ideas of Mental Health distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.

PiqCue — piqcue.com/mental-health/cheatsheet

Quick Reference

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors. CBT is based on the premise that distorted cognitions contribute to emotional distress and dysfunctional behavior.

Biopsychosocial Model

A framework that understands mental health as the product of biological factors (genetics, neurochemistry), psychological factors (cognition, emotion, behavior), and social factors (culture, relationships, socioeconomic status) all interacting together.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

The theory that disruptions in brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA contribute to mental health conditions. While overly simplistic as a sole explanation, neurotransmitter function remains an important component of the biological understanding of mental illness.

Stigma and Mental Health

Negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination directed toward people with mental health conditions. Stigma operates at multiple levels: public stigma (societal attitudes), self-stigma (internalized shame), and structural stigma (institutional policies that disadvantage those with mental illness).

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)

Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM is the standard classification system for mental disorders used by clinicians and researchers. The current edition, DSM-5-TR, provides diagnostic criteria, descriptions, and codes for mental health conditions.

Resilience

The capacity to adapt and recover in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, or significant stress. Resilience is not a fixed trait but a dynamic process influenced by protective factors such as social support, coping skills, and a sense of purpose.

Trauma and PTSD

Trauma refers to deeply distressing experiences that overwhelm a person's ability to cope. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after trauma, characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal lasting more than one month.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Therapeutic approaches that incorporate mindfulness meditation and present-moment awareness to reduce stress, prevent depressive relapse, and improve emotional regulation. Major programs include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

Anxiety Disorders

A group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry, and related behavioral disturbances. Subtypes include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Agoraphobia. They are the most prevalent class of mental disorders worldwide.

Recovery Model

An approach to mental health treatment that emphasizes personal empowerment, hope, and building a meaningful life beyond the limitations of a diagnosis. Recovery does not necessarily mean the complete absence of symptoms but rather the ability to live a fulfilling life despite ongoing challenges.

Key Terms at a Glance

Affect:The outward expression of emotion, as observed by others through facial expression, tone of voice, and body language.

Anhedonia:The inability to experience pleasure from activities normally found enjoyable. A core symptom of major depression.

Antidepressant:A class of medications used to treat depression and other mental health conditions by modifying neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

Anxiolytic:A medication used to reduce anxiety. Includes benzodiazepines, buspirone, and certain antidepressants.

Attachment:The emotional bond formed between a child and caregiver that shapes emotional development and future relationship patterns.

Bipolar Disorder:A mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression.

Burnout:A state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by cynicism and reduced professional efficacy, resulting from prolonged workplace stress.

Comorbidity:The simultaneous presence of two or more disorders or conditions in a single individual.

Delusion:A fixed, false belief held despite evidence to the contrary. A positive symptom of psychotic disorders.

Dissociation:A disconnection between thoughts, feelings, surroundings, or actions. Can range from mild detachment to severe identity fragmentation.

DSM-5-TR:The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision, used as the standard diagnostic reference for mental health clinicians.

Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder):A chronic form of depression lasting at least two years with less severe but more enduring symptoms than major depression.

Hallucination:A sensory perception that occurs without external stimulus. Can be auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory.

Hyperarousal:A state of heightened physiological and psychological alertness, including exaggerated startle response and difficulty sleeping. A symptom cluster of PTSD.

ICD-11:The International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, published by the WHO. Used alongside or instead of the DSM in many countries for mental health diagnosis.

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