Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 8-9) - Psychology

Here, you will learn some English words related to Psychology that are necessary for the Academic IELTS exam.

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schizophrenia

[noun]

a chronic mental disorder in which a person's ability to think, feel or behave is affected, often associated with the distortion of reality

neurosis

[noun]

a mental condition that is not caused by organic disease in which one is constantly anxious, worried, and stressed

Ex: Symptoms of neurosis can include persistent feelings of sadness , irritability , and fear , often without a clear or rational cause .

dissociation

[noun]

a psychological and neurological process involving a separation or disconnection of thoughts, memories, identity, or consciousness, often as a response to trauma or stress

Ex: Dissociation is a complex phenomenon that involves alterations in consciousness , perception , and self-awareness .

cognitive behavioral therapy

[noun]

a psychotherapy that targets negative thoughts and behaviors to address mental health issues

Ex: Cognitive behavioral therapy can be conducted in individual or group settings , and often includes homework assignments to practice new skills outside of sessions .

psyche

[noun]

the entirety of the human mind, including conscious and unconscious elements, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Ex: Therapists work with individuals to explore and navigate the depths of their psyche during counseling sessions .

psychosis

[noun]

a severe mental condition in which the patient loses contact with external reality

Ex: Psychosis can be a symptom of various mental health disorders , including schizophrenia , bipolar disorder , and severe depression .

catharsis

[noun]

(psychology) the process of relieving a complex by bringing it to consciousness and directly addressing it

Ex: Participating in a support group can offer catharsis, as sharing personal stories with others who understand can be incredibly healing .

body dysmorphic disorder

[noun]

a psychological disorder that causes a person to spend a lot of time thinking obsessively about the imaginary imperfections in their appearance

Ex: Early diagnosis and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder are essential to prevent the condition from severely impacting an individual 's quality of life and mental health .

obsessive-compulsive disorder

[noun]

a disorder causing a person to have recurring unwanted thoughts or to do something such as cleaning or checking on something over and over

Ex: Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) can help manage symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder by altering brain chemistry to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsions .

post-traumatic stress disorder

[noun]

a disorder that is formed in a person who has experienced a very shocking or frightening event, causing them to have nightmares or flashbacks from the event

Ex: Early intervention and support are crucial for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, as timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life .

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

[noun]

a condition, experienced mostly by children, making them seem restless, unable to keep focus, and act impulsively

psychotic

[noun]

someone who suffers from psychosis

borderline personality disorder

[noun]

a mental illness that causes a person to act impulsively, to experience severe shifts in mood, and to be unable to form interpersonal relationships

Ex: With appropriate therapy and support , individuals with borderline personality disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life .

dissociative identity disorder

[noun]

a psychological condition in which there are more than one personality in a person, each personality has different memories and patterns of behavior

Ex: Living with dissociative identity disorder can be challenging , as individuals may struggle to maintain a cohesive sense of identity and may experience difficulties in relationships and daily functioning .

coping mechanism

[noun]

a strategy or behavior used to manage or counteract challenging emotions, thoughts, or situations

Ex: Avoidance can sometimes be a maladaptive coping mechanism, as individuals may use substances or distractions to temporarily escape from their problems rather than addressing them directly .

defense mechanism

[noun]

an unconscious mental strategy individuals use to cope with anxiety, discomfort, or threatening emotions

Ex: Humor can serve as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to find amusement in challenging situations to alleviate tension and anxiety .

Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 8-9)

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