Glossary

An unconscious defence mechanism where an individual uses a feasible and acceptable reason to explain irrational behaviour, motives or feelings.

A return to more immature level of functioning.

Involuntary admission and treatment under the provisions of the Mental Health Act.

This category should be used when the focus of clinical attention is a pattern of interaction between parent and child (eg. impaired communication, overprotection, inadequate discipline).

When the focus of clinical attention is a pattern of interaction between spouse and partners characterised by negative communication (eg. criticism) distorted communication (eg. unrealistic expectations) or non-communication.

This category should be used when the focus of clinical attention is a pattern of interaction among siblings that is associated with clinically significant impairment in individual or family functioning or the development of symptoms in one or more siblings.

Relational problems include patterns of interaction between or among members of a unit that are associated with clinically significant impairment in functioning, or symptoms among one or more members of the unit, or impairment in the functioning of the unit itself.

This category can be used when the focus of clinical attention is a religious or spiritual problem. Examples include distressing experiences that involve loss or questioning of faith, problems associated with conversions to a new faith, or questioning of spiritual values that may not necessarily be related to an organised church or religious institution.