PIBHS | Behavioral Health Basics

Mental illness

Health conditions characterized by problems involving changes in mood (feelings), cognition (thoughts), behavior, or interpersonal relationships that cause distress and/or impairment in daily functioning.

Substance abuse

Health conditions characterized by problems involving harmful patterns of alcohol or drug use that cause distress and/or impairment in daily functioning. These may or may not involve physical or psychological addiction.

Psychotropic medication

Medication prescribed to treat emotional or behavioral problems. Note: Many drugs (both legal and illegal substances) have psychotropic effects, that is, they affect a person's thoughts, feelings, or behavior.

Psychotherapy

Psychosocial treatment that focuses on helping a person develop insight into and skills for dealing with problematic thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships. It involves regularly scheduled individual, couples, family, and/or group sessions with a behavioral health professional.