Glossary / Lexicon

Syndrome refers to set of symptoms and signs that tend to occur together and which reflect the presence of a particular disease or an increased chance of developing a particular disease; a number of symptoms that occur together and characterize a specific illness or disease.

Description

In psychology, a syndrome refers to a cluster of symptoms that consistently occur together, representing a specific psychological Condition or disorder. These symptoms may include behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and physical manifestations that are characteristic of the syndrome. Syndromes are typically identified through diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 or other psychological assessment tools. They can range in severity from mild to severe and may be acute or chronic in nature. Syndromes often have a complex etiology, involving a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Understanding and diagnosing syndromes is crucial for effective treatment and management of psychological disorders.

Application Areas

• Diagnostic assessment of psychological disorders
• Development of treatment plans for mental health conditions
• Research on the underlying causes and risk factors for psychological syndromes
• Understanding the impact of syndromes on cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning
• Evaluation of interventions and therapies for specific psychological conditions

Treatment and Risks

• Treatment options for psychological syndromes may include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and supportive interventions
• Risks associated with syndromes may include impaired social relationships, reduced quality of life, comorbid mental health conditions, and functional impairments
• Early intervention and comprehensive treatment approaches can help minimize risks and improve outcomes for individuals with psychological syndromes

Examples

• Stockholm Syndrome
• Imposter Syndrome
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Cluster of symptoms
• Psychological complex
• Behavioral pattern
• Psychiatric syndrome

Articles with 'Syndrome' in the title

• Abstinence syndrome: The Abstinence syndrome refers to a characteristic cluster of symptoms that results from a sudden decrease in the level of usage of a substance. Abstinence syndrome, also known as withdrawal syndrome, is a set of physical and psychological . . .
• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome: The Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) refers to the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency (or immune deficiency) virus (HIV) that attacks the immune system and leaves the person susceptible to unusual infections
• Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome: Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome refers to a condition in which a patient wakes up too early in the morning and gets sleepy early in the evening. It is common in older people
• Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome (ASPS): Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome (ASPS) refers to phases of the daily sleep/wake cycle are advanced with respect to clock time. This is classified as a Circadian rhythm disorder
• Amotivational syndrome: Amotivational syndrome refers to the loss of effectiveness and reduced capacity to accomplish conventional goals as a result of chronic marijuana use
• Androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS): Androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS) : Androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS) refers to a condition in which a genetic male’s cells are insensitive to androgens, resulting in the development of female external genitalia (but no . . .
• Angelman Syndrome: Angelman Syndrome refers to a Genetic disorder associated with an abnormality of chromosome 15. Children with Angelman syndrome typically suffer from moderate to severe mental retardation, ataxia (awkward gait), jerky movements, hand . . .
• Asperger's syndrome: Asperger's syndrome refers to a Pervasive developmental disorder characterized by symptoms of autism, including impairments in social relatedness and Atypical patterns of behavior, i- nterest, or activity
• Balint's syndrome: Balint's syndrome is a term related to damage of the parietooccipital area of both hemispheres includes visual Agnosia together with other visuo-spatial difficulties, such as misreaching and left-sided neglect
• Battered woman syndrome: Battered woman syndrome refers to a situation in which a woman believes that she cannot leave an abusive Relationship and in which she may even go so far as to kill her abuser
• Battered women's syndrome (BWS): Battered women's syndrome: Battered women's syndrome (BWS) refers to a series of common characteristics that appear in women who are abused physically and psychologically- over an extended period of time by the dominant male figure in . . .
• Bored With Life Syndrome: Bored With Life Syndrome (BWLS) refers to combined feelings of depression, frustration, boredom and uselessness which manifest in married males and females after the initial sexual energy in their relationships has waned or disappeared
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome refers to a chronic disorder of the hand and wrist, due to a compression of a nerve - usually caused by repetitive work that puts stress on the wrist joint and heel of the hand
• Chatterbox syndrome: Chatterbox syndrome refers to a disorder characterized by severe mental retardation but remarkable linguistic abilities. A disorder characterized by severe mental retardation but remarkable linguistic abilities is known as specific . . .
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) : Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) : chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) refers to incapacitating exhaustion following only minimal exertion, accompanied by fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, depression, and . . .
• Culture-Bound Syndromes: Culture-Bound Syndromes refer to recurrent patterns of maladaptive behaviors and/or troubling experiences which are specifically associated with different cultures or localities
• Cushing's syndrome: Cushing's syndrome is a syndrome named after Boston surgeon Harvey Cushing (1869–1939) that refers to a severe systemic illness most usually seen in female individuals, which includes neurologic symptoms and changes in bone structure, . . .
• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome: Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome refers to a a condition in which a patient doesn't get sleepy until early in the morning the next day and sleeps late into the morning
• Depletion syndrome: Depletion syndrome refers to set of symptoms shown by depressed older people, consisting of loss of interest, loss of energy, hopelessness, helplessness, and psychomotor retardation
• Depressive syndrome: Depressive syndrome is a term that refers to a constellation of behaviors and emotions that occur together. The syndrome often includes complaints about feeling depressed, anxious, fearful, worried, guilty, and worthless
• Down syndrome: Down syndrome refers to the type of mental retardation caused by a chromosomal aberration (chromosome 21) and involving characteristic physical appearance
• Empyt nest syndrome: Empyt nest syndrome : Empty nest syndrome refers to the grief that many parents feel when their children move out of home. Empty nest syndrome is typically more common in women, who are more likely to have had th- e role of primary carer
• Environmental dependency syndrome (stimulusbound): Environmental dependency syndrome (stimulusbound) : Environmental dependency syndrome (stimulusbound) refer to the Neuropsychological syndrome characterized by an over-responsiveness to environmental stimuli due to a loss of inhibitory . . .
• Fetal alcohol syndrome: Fetal alcohol syndrome refers to a disorder stemming from extensive prenatal exposure to alcohol. Children with this disorder typically suffer from problems in intellectual functioning, central nervous system dysfunction, cranial feature . . .
• Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS): Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) : Fetal alcohol syndrome refers to a condition affecting the children of mothers who consume large quantities of alcohol during pregnancy- it can involve learning disabilities, attentional- difficulties, and . . .
• Formication syndrome: Formication syndrome refer to symptoms of itching and feeling as if insects were crawling on skin which is caused by using cocaine and amphetamine
• Fragile X syndrome: fragile X syndrome refers to the pattern of abnormality caused by a defect in the X chromosome resulting in mental retardation, learning problems, and unusual physical characteristics
• Fragile-X syndrome: Fragile-X syndrome refers to a chromosomal abnormality in which one area on the X chromosome is pinched. Children with Fragile-X syndrome typically suffer from moderate mental retardation
• Ganser syndrome: Ganser syndrome refers to a Factitious disorder that was first observed in prisoners. People with Ganser syndrome have short-term episodes of bizarre behavior similar to that shown by people with serious mental illnesses
• GAS (General adaptation syndrome): GAS (General adaptation syndrome) : General adaptation syndrome (GAS) is defined as Seyle's model of the body's reaction to stressful situations, it include the following: a
• General adaptation syndrome (GAS): General adaptation syndrome (GAS) : general adaptation syndrome (GAS) refers to the body's generalized attempt to defend itself against stress- consists of alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion
• Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS): Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) : Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) refers to an extremely rare familial Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease variant that results in a "fatal insomnia
• Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome : Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is defined as a tic disorder defined by multiple involuntary motor and vocal tics. The disorder appears familial in origin
• Klinefelter syndrome: Klinefelter syndrome is defined as a chromosomal disorder found among males that is caused by an extra X sex chromosome and that is characterized by infertility and mild mental retardation
• Korsakoff's syndrome: Korsakoff's syndrome refers to a permanent form of Dementia associated with long-term alcohol use in which the person develops retrograde and anterograde amnesia, leading to an inability to remember recent events or learn new information
• Menkes syndrome: Menkes syndrome also known as Kinky hair syndrome refers to a genetic disorder in which the hair is fragile and twisted ("kinky") and there is progressive deterioration of the brain and arterial changes leading to death in infancy
• Metabolic syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a pattern of risk factors for the chronic health problems of Diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, characterized by obesity, a high waist to hip ratio, and insulin resistance
• Munchausen syndrome: Munchausen syndrome refers to a kind of disorder where an affected person fakes his or her own medical problems in Order to gain attention.
• Munchausen syndrome by proxy: Munchausen syndrome by proxy refers to a kind of disorder where an affected person fakes the medical problems of someone in his or her Care in Order to gain attention
• Munchausen's Syndrome: Munchausen's Syndrome: The Munchausen's syndrome is an extreme form of factitious disorder in which the individual goes to great lengths to maintain a sick role
• Munchhausen syndrome by proxy: The Munchhausen syndrome by proxy is a parenting disorder in which the parent either fabricates an illness or induces an illness in their child. - Munchhausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) differs from other forms of parenting disorder in that . . .
• Night eating syndrome: Night eating syndrome means consuming a third or more of daily food intake after the evening meal and getting out of bed at least once during the night to have a high-calorie snack
• Night Eating Syndrome: Night Eating Syndrome refers to the consumption of a third or more of daily food intake after the evening meal and getting out of bed at least once during the night to have a high-calorie snack
• Old sergeant syndrome: An Old sergeant syndrome consits of symptoms of psychological disturbance, including depression, anxiety and guilt, exhibited by noncommissioned officers in cohesive units that suffer heavy casualties
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are side effects of excessive hormonal stimulation of the ovaries through fertility drugs. Side effects may include abdominal bloating, nausea, diarrhea, weight gain, abdominal, chest, and leg pain
• Prader-Willi syndrome: Prader-Willi syndrome refers to a complex genetic disorder associated with an abnormality of chromosome 15. Children with Prader-Willi syndrome typically suffer from short stature, mental retardation or learning disabilities , incomplete . . .
• Rape trauma syndrome: Rape trauma syndrome or RTS refers to a two-stage stress response pattern that occurs after a rape- the emotional and physical effects a woman undergoes following a rape or attempted rape
• Rett Syndrome: Rett Syndrome refers to a progressive neurologic developmental disorder and one of the most common causes of mental retardation in females. The key features of this syndrome are: (1) loss of purposeful use of the hand which is replaced . . .
• Total environmental allergy syndrome: Total environmental allergy syndrome is a newly identified phenomenon that refers to a polysymptomatic disorder associated with immune system dysfunction and allergy-like sensitivity to many compounds found in chemicals, foods, clothing, . . .
• Tourette Syndrome: Tourette Syndrome : Tourette syndrome (TS) refers to a neurological disorder which is characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called Tics
• Triple X syndrome: Triple X syndrome refers to a genetic abnormality in which a female has an extra X sex chromosome - characterized by decreased fertility, some genital abnormality, and slight mental r etardation
• Type A behavior syndrome: Type A behavior syndrome : Type A Behavior syndrome refers to a behavioral and emotional style marked by an aggressive, unceasing struggle to achieve more and more in less time, often in hostile competition wi th other individuals or . . .
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome refers to a severe memory disorder that is usually associated with chronic excessive alcohol consumption. It is referred to by The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) as alcohol- . . .
• White knight syndrome: White knight syndrome refers to the human feeling that they need to rescue others. It is a common concern of beginning Counselors, those who just started their career as Counselors always feel that they need to rescue their clients, like a . . .
• Williams syndrome (WS): Williams syndrome (WS) : Williams syndrome (WS) refers to a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a recognizable pattern of dysmorphic facial features, cardiovascular and physical abnormalities, mental retardation, a specific . . .
• XYY syndrome: XYY syndrome refers to a genetic abnormality in which a male has an extra Y sex chromosome - characterized by decreased fertility, some genital abnormality, and slight mental retardation
• False memory syndrome: False memory syndrome : False memory syndrome refers to a a memory of a past traumatic experience that is objectively false but that people believe occurred
• Suicide Syndrome: Suicide Syndrome : Suicide Syndrome refers to long-term self-destructive life process
• Empty-nest syndrome: Empty-nest syndrome: empty-nest syndrome refers to a form of mental depression said to be caused in parents by the loss felt when their children grow up and leave home
• Persistent sexual arousal syndrome: Persistent sexual arousal syndrome : Persistent sexual Arousal syndrome refers to an excessive and unremitting level of sexual arousal. - Persistent sexual Arousal syndrome may also be referred to as Persistent genital arousa l disorder
• Hypernyctohemeral syndrome: Hypernyctohemeral syndrome refers to a condition in which the patient's sleep- wake cycle is one of 25-27 hours.
• False hope syndrome: False hope syndrome: False hope syndrome refers to the tendency to try repeatedly but unsuccessfully to achieve a goal because of unrealistic expectations about the likelihood of success
• Functional somatic syndromes: Functional somatic syndromes refer to syndromes that marked by the symptoms, suffering, and disability it causes rather than by any demonstrable tissue abnormality
• Imposter syndrome: Imposter syndrome refers to the feeling that although humans have gained Expertise in a particular area, they still feel as if they are "faking it" or not worthy of what they have accomplished
• Klüver-Bucy syndrome: Klüver-Bucy syndrome is a condition in which monkeys with damaged temporal lobes fail to display normal fears and anxieties
• Organic brain syndromes: Organic brain syndromes are disorders involving memory loss, confusion, loss of ability to manage daily Functions, and loss of ability to focus attention
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Premenstrual syndrome: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is defined as a condition of anxiety, irritability, and depression during the days just before menstruation
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome refers to unexplained death of seemingly healthy babies
• Battered women's syndrome (BWS): Battered women's syndrome: Battered women's syndrome (BWS) refers to a series of common characteristics that appear in women who are abused physically and psychologically- over an extended period of time by the dominant male figure in . . .
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) : Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) : chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) refers to incapacitating exhaustion following only minimal exertion, accompanied by fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, depression, and . . .
• Environmental dependency syndrome (stimulusbound): Environmental dependency syndrome (stimulusbound) : Environmental dependency syndrome (stimulusbound) refer to the Neuropsychological syndrome characterized by an over-responsiveness to environmental stimuli due to a loss of inhibitory . . .
• Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS): Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) : Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) refers to an extremely rare familial Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease variant that results in a "fatal insomnia
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Premenstrual syndrome: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is defined as a condition of anxiety, irritability, and depression during the days just before menstruation

Summary

In psychology, a syndrome refers to a constellation of symptoms that define a specific psychological condition. Syndromes are characterized by a combination of behaviors, thoughts, emotions, and physical manifestations that consistently occur together. Understanding syndromes is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and research in the field of psychology.

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