NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators
Psychotherapy The treatment of mental and
emotional disorders through the use of psychological
techniques (some of which are described below)
designed to encourage communication of conflicts
and insight into problems, with the goal being relief of
symptoms, changes in behavior leading to improved
social and vocational functioning, and personality
growth. Purging To evacuate the contents of the stomach or
bowels by any of several means. In bulimia, purging is
used to compensate for excessive food intake. Methods
of purging include vomiting, enemas, and excessive
exercise. Relaxation Training A technique involving tightly
contracting and releasing muscles with the intent to
release or reduce stress.
Remission A period in which the symptoms of a
disease are absent. Remission differs from the concept
of “cure” in that the disease can return. The term
“cure” signifies that the treated condition or disorder
is permanently gone and will never reoccur in the
individual who received treatment.
Residential Services Services delivered in a structured
residence other than the hospital or a client’s home.
Residential Treatment Center A 24-hour residential
environment outside the home that includes 24-hour
provision or access to support personnel capable of
meeting the client’s needs.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) A
class of antidepressants used to treat depression,
anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders.
These drugs are designed to elevate the level of the
neurotransmitter serotonin. A low level of serotonin
is currently seen as one of several neurochemical
symptoms of depression. Low levels of serotonin in
turn can be caused by an anxiety disorder, because
serotonin is needed to metabolize stress hormones.
Self-directedness A personality trait that
comprises self-confidence, reliability, responsibility,
resourcefulness, and goal orientation.
Self-guided Cognitive Behavior Therapy A modified
form of cognitive behavior therapy in which a
treatment manual is provided for people to proceed
with treatment on their own, or with support from
a nonprofessional. Guided self-help usually implies
that the support person may or may not have some
professional training, but is usually not a specialist in
eating disorders. The important characteristics of the
self-help approach are the use of a highly structured
and detailed manual-based CBT, with guidance as to
the appropriateness of self-help, and advice on where
to seek additional help.
Self Psychology A type of psychoanalysis that views
anorexia and bulimia as specific cases of pathology
of the self. According to this viewpoint, for example,
people with bulimia nervosa cannot rely on human
beings to fulfill their self-object needs (e.g., regulation
of self-esteem, calming, soothing, vitalizing). Instead,
they rely on food (its consumption or avoidance) to
fulfill these needs. Self psychological therapy involves
helping people with bulimia give up their pathological
preference for food as a self-object and begin to rely
on human beings as self objects, beginning with their
therapist. Self-report Measures An itemized written test in
which a person rates his/her feeling towards each
question; the test is designed to categorize the
personality or behavior of the person.
State Mandate A proclamation, order, or law from
a state legislature that issues specific instructions
or regulations. Many states have issued mandates
pertaining to coverage of mental health benefits and
specific disorders the state requires insurers to cover.
Substance Abuse Use of a mood or behavior-altering
substance in a maladaptive pattern resulting in
significant impairment or distress of the user.
Substance Use Disorders The fifth edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) defines a substance use disorder as a cluster
of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms
indicating that the individual continues using the
substance despite significant substance-related
problems. Subthreshold Eating Disorder Condition in which a
person exhibits disordered eating but not to the extent
that it fulfills all the criteria for diagnosis of an eating
disorder. Supportive Therapy Psychotherapy that focuses on
the management and resolution of current difficulties
and life decisions using the patient’s strengths and
available resources.
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