Mental Status Exam
The behavioral expression of emotion
Affect
Delving further into a subject, idea, experience or relationship
Exploring
The transfer of feelings from one target to another that is considered less threatening or neutral
Displacement
The improper use of something; cruel and violent treatment of a person
Abuse
Inappropriate optimism
False Reassurance
Rapid shift of ideas while speaking with no connection between subjects
Flight of Ideas
Restating another's message using the caregiver's own word
Paraphrasing
Refusing to acknowledge the existence of a real situation or the feelings associated with it
Denial
An act that results in a person's genuine fear and apprehension that he/she will be touched without consent
Assault
Persistent questioning of the patient; pushing for answers to issues the patient does not wish to discuss
Imitation of another's words
Echolalia
Questions and feelings are referred back to the patient so that they may be recognized and accepted and so the patient may recognize that his/her point of view has value
Reflecting
Covering up a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait that one considers more desirable
Compensation
The deliberate and unauthorized confinement of a person against their will
False imprisonment
Caregiver's displacement of emotion onto the patient
Counter-Transference
Fixed False Belief
Delusion
Making oneself available on an unconditional basis thus increasing patient's feelings of self worth
Offering Self
Attempts to justify via logical or acceptable explanations, acts or feelings that are not logical or acceptible
Rationalization
Harsh physical or verbal actions intended either consciously or unconsciously to harm or injure another
Aggression
Refusing to consider or showing contempt for the patient's ideas or behavior
Rejecting
A state in which the mood is elevated, expansive, or irritable
Mania
Understanding the meaning and relevance in the thoughts and feelings of another
Empathy
The voluntary blocking of one's awareness of unpleasant feelings and experiences
The nonconsensual touching of another person
Battery
Body language and verbal communication do not match
Incongruent