Jargon Buster

Adult Protection Commitee	A group of people who safeguard the interests of vulnerable adults.
Advocate	An advocate is a person you can turn to for information, advice and other help to get the treatment and support you would like. This person can attend meetings with you and help you to say what you want or can express your view for you. Many people could act as your advocate – friends, relatives or a member of staff like a nurse or a social worker. However, it can be difficult to say some things to people who are close to you, like relatives, and sometimes people want to have the support of someone in addition to staff. For these reasons, many service-users prefer to use trained, independent advocates.
Agoraphobia	Agoraphobia is a form of anxiety people feel when they have an intense fear of being caught or trapped in situations when they can’t get help. Agoraphobia can be brought on by repeated panic attacks and over time, if untreated, can lead to the fear of leaving one’s house. Agoraphobia can also lead to depression.
Alternative Therapies	Please see ‘Complementary Therapies’.
Alzheimer’s Disease	Please see ‘Dementia’.
Anorexia Nervosa	Anorexia is characterised by not eating. In some cases, a person becomes malnourished to the point of starvation. Someone experiencing anorexia will cut down on food and fluid just having low calorie items, which may be carefully measured. People will avoid eating with others. No matter how thin, people’s perception of their own body size becomes distorted and they continue to see themselves as being fat. Read More
Anti Depressants	Anti depressants aim to treat the symptoms of depression and can help people experiencing depression to feel more motivated and energetic. Side effects of anti depressants can include drowsiness, a dry mouth, blurred vision and weight gain.
Anti Psychotic Medication	Anti psychotic medication is normally given to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and manic depression. They can produce side effects, including drowsiness, excessive salivation, unsteadiness, less control over body movements, restless legs and weight gain
Anxiety	Anxiety is the term used to describe experiences such as chronic fear, tension and panic attacks. Some people have an overwhelming feeling of dread that prevents them getting on with everyday life. Sleepless nights and recurring thoughts are common, as well as nausea, palpitations, dizziness and difficulty in breathing. Anxiety is the most common mental health problem we experience.
Approved Social Worker (ASW)	Same as social workers, but (ASW's) have undergone specific training in mental health law/ the Mental Health Act, which enables them to carry out Mental Health Act assessments with other professionals.
Aromatherapy	Aromatherapy dates back to around 1000 AD, when a Perisian doctor first distilled fragrant oils from plants then mixed them with olive or castor oil to make soothing lotions. The basic principle of aromatherapy involves inhaling therapeutic oils to stimulate the body’s nerves – or olfactory receptors – to help a person feel more relaxed or energized, for example. Aromatherapy is also commonly practiced as a massage or used in the bath. About 40 oils are in regular use and are divided into different fragrance families: relax, body, energy, mind and soul.
Art Therapy	Art therapy aims to support people’s recovery using art as a creative process and a therapy to help people resolve emotional conflicts, be more aware about themselves, develop social skills, reduce anxiety and increase their self-esteem.
Assertive Outreach	Assertive outreach describes a relatively new community based service that actively supports people with serious mental health needs in their own homes who find it difficult keeping in contact with mental health staff over time.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)	Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is a developmental problem people experience, which usually begins at an early age and can be severe. People with ADD find it extremely difficult concentrating, are overactive and impulsive. People who are also hyperactive may be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

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