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general medical condition

in DSM–IV–TR, a disorder that has known physical causes and observable psychopathology. Examples include hypertension and diabetes. The equivalent term in DSM–5 is another medical condition. Thus, for example, the DSM–5 diagnosis for a patient who experiences significant anxiety symptoms (e.g., panic attacks) as a consequence of having a neurological disorder (e.g., Parkinson’s disease) would be “anxiety disorder due to another medical condition.”

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

vital functions

vital functions

functions of the body (e.g., respiration, blood circulation of the blood) that are necessary to sustain life. Many vital functions are controlled by the brainstem.