Cultural competency
The understanding of the social, linguistic, ethnic, and
behavioural characteristics of a community or popu-
lation, and the ability to translate systematically that
knowledge into appropriate practices in the delivery
of behavioural health services; assessment includes
network providers’ policies and readiness to address
the cultural needs of members
Delusions
Delusions are psychotic symptoms of particular types
of mental illness, such as schizophrenia. They are fi rmly
held beliefs which are not held by other members of
the person’s social group. Those who experience delu-
sions may off er bizarre explanations for experiences or
circumstances. For example, they may believe they are
being spied upon, followed, poisoned or that they pos-
sess great unrecognised talent.
Depression
A lowering of mood which includes feelings of sad-
ness, despair, and discouragement, ranging from mild
to severe, and is sustained over a period of time. Mild
depression is an emotional state that many people
experience during their life. Severe depression is a
serious mental illness producing symptoms such as
slowness of movement, loss of interest or pleasure in
most activities, sleep and appetite changes, and agita-
tion. People experiencing severe depression will have
intense feelings of worthlessness and may experience
delusions; for example, a person may believe they are
the cause of the world’s problems. Severe depression
can lead to suicidal ideas and actual suicidal actions.
Diagnosis
A medical term meaning the identifi cation of symp-
toms which are consistent with a particular illness or
disorder. Specifi c tests and a medical examination
can sometimes prove that physical illness is present.
Diagnosis of a mental illness, however, is based on
interviews with the client and others who know them,
and on clinical observations. In Ontario, a mental
health diagnosis may only be made by a physician or
psychologist.
Disinhibition
Freedom to act according to one’s inner drives or feel-
ings, with less regard for restraints imposed by cultural
norms; removal of an inhibitory, constraining, or lim-
iting infl uence, as in the escape from higher cortical
control in neurologic injury, or in uncontrolled fi ring
of impulses, as when a drug interferes with the usual
limiting or inhibiting action of GABA within the central
nervous system.
Disorientation
A symptom of some illnesses which aff ects the per-
son’s ability to know where he/she is, have some idea
of time of day, date, and year, and remember familiar
people.
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