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Psychological Lecture Terms Defined

Term

Definition

anueuploidy

A change in the number of chromosomes that can lead to a chromosomal disorder

Anxiety symptoms

Thapar and Thapar (1992) reported significant elevations in anxiety levels in women 24 hours and 6 weeks post-loss as compared to pregnant women;
Lee et al. (1996) documented significant elevations in anxiety at 1 week and 4 months post-loss as compared to community women;
Janssen et al. (1996) reported elevated anxiety levels at 2.5 and 6 months post-loss as compared to women delivering a living infant

ART

Assisted Reproductive Technology

"blighted ovum"

A pregnancy in which the gestational sac is seen but the embryo does not develop

"chemical pregnancy"

Term that refers to a positive blood test for hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadatropin, a hormone initially produced by the embryo that is detected by pregnancy tests), but often, there is no missed period. Better term is "Implantation Failure" or "When a fertilized egg does not implant in the uterine wall."

CRL

crown rump length

D&C

Dilation and curettage. The opening to the cervix is dilated and then an instrument called a curette is used to scrape the lining of the uterus, removing any tissue that remains there. This procedure is most common during the first trimester.

D&E

Dilation and evacuation. The cervix is dilated, the fetus is removed with forceps and then vacuum aspiration is used to remove any remaining tissue. This procedure is typically conducted during the second trimester.

De novo non-dysjunction

An alteration in a gene for the first time in one family member as a result of a mutation in a germ cell (egg or sperm) of one of the parents or in the fertilized egg, causing the failure of chromosomes to properly segregate during meiotic or mitotic anaphase that results in daughter cells with abnormal numbers of chromosomes

Depression symptoms

Neugebauer et al. (1992) reported rates of depressive symptoms 2 weeks post-loss: 3.4 times that of pregnant women and 4.3 times that of community women.
Thapar & Thapar (1992) reported elevated rates of depressive symptomatology at both 24 hours and 6 weeks post-loss as compared to pregnant controls.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

From DSM-5: Defined by excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events or activities occurring most days for at least 6 months, which is difficult to control, causes impairment in functioning, and must be associated with 3 of the following symptoms:

Restlessness

Fatigue

Difficulty concentrating

Irritability

Muscle tension

Sleep disturbance

LMP

last menstrual period

Major Depressive Disorder

The diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires the occurrence of at least one Major Depressive Episode (MDE);
From DSM-5: Must meet 5 or more of the following symptoms during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning:
Symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement or another significant life event. At least one of the symptoms must be #1 or #2.

Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day

Diminished interest or pleasure in most activities most of the day nearly every day

Significant weight change or change in appetite (more than what you would expect to see at the end of a pregnancy)

Changes in sleep pattern nearly every day (more or less)

Observable restlessness or slowed movement

Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt

Diminished ability to think or concentrate

Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, plan or attempt

Minor Depressive Disorder

The occurrence of at least one Minor Depressive Episode; From DSM-IV-TR*: Must meet 2 or more of the following symptoms during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning:
Symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement (must last more than 2 months after the loss). At least one of the symptoms must be #1 or #2.

Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day

Diminished interest or pleasure in most activities most of the day nearly every day

Significant weight change or change in appetite (more than what you would expect to see at the end of a pregnancy)

Changes in sleep pattern nearly every day (more or less)

Observable restlessness or slowed movement

Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt

Diminished ability to think or concentrate

Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, plan or attempt

*Minor depressive disorder is included as a diagnosis in DSM-IV-TR, but was removed as a diagnosis in DSM-5.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

From DSM-5: Characterized by either obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are defined as recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are considered intrusive or inappropriate and that cause anxiety or distress and that are not simply excessive worries about real life problems, which the person attempts to ignore, suppress or neutralize with some other thought or action, and which are recognized as a product of the person's own mind. Compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors that the person feels compelled to perform in response to an obsessive thought or rule and which are aimed at preventing or reducing distress but often are not related in a realistic way.

Panic Disorder

From DSM-5: Defined by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having another attack, worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences, or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.

Phobic Disorder

From DSM-5: Specific phobia: Defined by marked or persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable cued by a specific object or situation, exposure to which provokes an immediate anxiety response which may result in a panic attack, and which the person recognizes as excessive or unreasonable but avoids even when it disrupts their normal routine or functioning.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

From DSM-5: Response to a traumatic event that is re-experienced in recurrent, intrusive memories, dreams, or reliving of the event and includes psychological or physiological reactivity in response to cues of the event. Symptoms also include avoidance of stimuli and persistent symptoms of increased arousal. Symptoms must be present for at least one month.

SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Unsympathetic attitude

Top Five Worst Comments

"It happened for the best," "There was something wrong with the baby anyway."

This statement negates a woman's loss and sorrow.

"Don't worry, you can have another baby," "You're young, you can have another," etc.

She needs to mourn this baby. Children are not replaceable. Moreover, for some women, this pregnancy may have seemed like their only/last chance.

"At least you didn't really know the baby, so it's not like losing a child who has lived with you a while."

Although her loss may be different from losing an older child, it should never be deemed unworthy of grief. For many women, there is a sense of havinggotten to know their baby during pregnancy.

"I know exactly how you feel."

This phrase often rings false, especially if you have not personally had the experience she has had or shared it with her. Instead, ask her how she feels.

"What are you going to do now?"

She may be too stunned by her loss to make plans about her future family. Better to provide general information about when it would be medically safe to conceive again but remind her that the "right time" is individual to each woman/couple.

Top Five Best Comments

"I'm sorry for your loss;" "I'm so sorry. I know how much you wanted to have that baby."

Acknowledges a woman's sorrow and gives her permission to grieve.

"It's okay to cry;" "It's normal to feel sadness and grief at this time."

Validates her feelings and her need to express them without embarrassment or guilt.

"Would you like to talk about it?" "I'm here and I want to listen."

Offers a willing ear, a comforting shoulder and a healthy respect for her needs

"Is there anything I can do for you?" "What can I do for you?"

Opens communication; Offers consolation through practical help.

"May I call you back in a few days to see how you are doing?"

Adapted from: Kohn & Moffitt (2000).

Term	Definition
anueuploidy	A change in the number of chromosomes that can lead to a chromosomal disorder
Anxiety symptoms	Thapar and Thapar (1992) reported significant elevations in anxiety levels in women 24 hours and 6 weeks post-loss as compared to pregnant women; Lee et al. (1996) documented significant elevations in anxiety at 1 week and 4 months post-loss as compared to community women; Janssen et al. (1996) reported elevated anxiety levels at 2.5 and 6 months post-loss as compared to women delivering a living infant
ART	Assisted Reproductive Technology
"blighted ovum"	A pregnancy in which the gestational sac is seen but the embryo does not develop
"chemical pregnancy"	Term that refers to a positive blood test for hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadatropin, a hormone initially produced by the embryo that is detected by pregnancy tests), but often, there is no missed period. Better term is "Implantation Failure" or "When a fertilized egg does not implant in the uterine wall."
CRL	crown rump length
D&C	Dilation and curettage. The opening to the cervix is dilated and then an instrument called a curette is used to scrape the lining of the uterus, removing any tissue that remains there. This procedure is most common during the first trimester.
D&E	Dilation and evacuation. The cervix is dilated, the fetus is removed with forceps and then vacuum aspiration is used to remove any remaining tissue. This procedure is typically conducted during the second trimester.
De novo non-dysjunction	An alteration in a gene for the first time in one family member as a result of a mutation in a germ cell (egg or sperm) of one of the parents or in the fertilized egg, causing the failure of chromosomes to properly segregate during meiotic or mitotic anaphase that results in daughter cells with abnormal numbers of chromosomes
Depression symptoms	Neugebauer et al. (1992) reported rates of depressive symptoms 2 weeks post-loss: 3.4 times that of pregnant women and 4.3 times that of community women. Thapar & Thapar (1992) reported elevated rates of depressive symptomatology at both 24 hours and 6 weeks post-loss as compared to pregnant controls.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder	From DSM-5: Defined by excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events or activities occurring most days for at least 6 months, which is difficult to control, causes impairment in functioning, and must be associated with 3 of the following symptoms: Restlessness Fatigue Difficulty concentrating Irritability Muscle tension Sleep disturbance
LMP	last menstrual period
Major Depressive Disorder	The diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) requires the occurrence of at least one Major Depressive Episode (MDE); From DSM-5: Must meet 5 or more of the following symptoms during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning: Symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement or another significant life event. At least one of the symptoms must be #1 or #2. Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day Diminished interest or pleasure in most activities most of the day nearly every day Significant weight change or change in appetite (more than what you would expect to see at the end of a pregnancy) Changes in sleep pattern nearly every day (more or less) Observable restlessness or slowed movement Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt Diminished ability to think or concentrate Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, plan or attempt
Minor Depressive Disorder	The occurrence of at least one Minor Depressive Episode; From DSM-IV-TR: Must meet 2 or more of the following symptoms during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning: Symptoms are not better accounted for by bereavement (must last more than 2 months after the loss). At least one of the symptoms must be #1 or #2. Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day Diminished interest or pleasure in most activities most of the day nearly every day Significant weight change or change in appetite (more than what you would expect to see at the end of a pregnancy) Changes in sleep pattern nearly every day (more or less) Observable restlessness or slowed movement Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt Diminished ability to think or concentrate Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, plan or attempt Minor depressive disorder is included as a diagnosis in DSM-IV-TR, but was removed as a diagnosis in DSM-5.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder	From DSM-5: Characterized by either obsessions or compulsions. Obsessions are defined as recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses or images that are considered intrusive or inappropriate and that cause anxiety or distress and that are not simply excessive worries about real life problems, which the person attempts to ignore, suppress or neutralize with some other thought or action, and which are recognized as a product of the person's own mind. Compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors that the person feels compelled to perform in response to an obsessive thought or rule and which are aimed at preventing or reducing distress but often are not related in a realistic way.
Panic Disorder	From DSM-5: Defined by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks followed by at least one month of persistent concern about having another attack, worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences, or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.
Phobic Disorder	From DSM-5: Specific phobia: Defined by marked or persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable cued by a specific object or situation, exposure to which provokes an immediate anxiety response which may result in a panic attack, and which the person recognizes as excessive or unreasonable but avoids even when it disrupts their normal routine or functioning.
Post-traumatic stress disorder	From DSM-5: Response to a traumatic event that is re-experienced in recurrent, intrusive memories, dreams, or reliving of the event and includes psychological or physiological reactivity in response to cues of the event. Symptoms also include avoidance of stimuli and persistent symptoms of increased arousal. Symptoms must be present for at least one month.
SIDS	Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Unsympathetic attitude	Top Five Worst Comments "It happened for the best," "There was something wrong with the baby anyway." This statement negates a woman's loss and sorrow. "Don't worry, you can have another baby," "You're young, you can have another," etc. She needs to mourn this baby. Children are not replaceable. Moreover, for some women, this pregnancy may have seemed like their only/last chance. "At least you didn't really know the baby, so it's not like losing a child who has lived with you a while." Although her loss may be different from losing an older child, it should never be deemed unworthy of grief. For many women, there is a sense of havinggotten to know their baby during pregnancy. "I know exactly how you feel." This phrase often rings false, especially if you have not personally had the experience she has had or shared it with her. Instead, ask her how she feels. "What are you going to do now?" She may be too stunned by her loss to make plans about her future family. Better to provide general information about when it would be medically safe to conceive again but remind her that the "right time" is individual to each woman/couple. Top Five Best Comments "I'm sorry for your loss;" "I'm so sorry. I know how much you wanted to have that baby." Acknowledges a woman's sorrow and gives her permission to grieve. "It's okay to cry;" "It's normal to feel sadness and grief at this time." Validates her feelings and her need to express them without embarrassment or guilt. "Would you like to talk about it?" "I'm here and I want to listen." Offers a willing ear, a comforting shoulder and a healthy respect for her needs "Is there anything I can do for you?" "What can I do for you?" Opens communication; Offers consolation through practical help. "May I call you back in a few days to see how you are doing?" Adapted from: Kohn & Moffitt (2000).