Clinical Reference

Psych Dictionary

A plain-language quick reference for psychiatric nursing — key terms, legal holds, assessment tools, and medication categories, all in one place.

An educational quick-reference, not clinical guidance. This dictionary is a starting point for learning and review. It is not a substitute for clinical judgment, your facility’s current policies, official prescribing information, or the current California Welfare & Institutions Code. Always verify against authoritative, up-to-date sources.
⚖️

Legal Holds & Terms

California involuntary hold framework (Lanterman-Petris-Short Act). Verify specifics against current code and facility policy.
5150 — 72-Hour Hold
An involuntary psychiatric hold of up to 72 hours for a person who, due to a mental health disorder, is deemed a danger to self, a danger to others, or gravely disabled. Initiated by authorized personnel.
5250 — 14-Day Hold
A certification for up to 14 days of additional intensive treatment following a 5150, when the person continues to meet criteria. Requires a certification review hearing to protect patient rights.
5270 — 30-Day Hold
An additional period of intensive treatment (up to 30 days) for certain gravely disabled patients who continue to meet criteria after a 5250, where authorized.
5260 — Additional 14 Days (Suicidality)
A further certification of up to 14 days for a person who remains a danger to self after an initial 5250.
5585 — Minor Hold
The provision addressing involuntary crisis holds for minors experiencing a mental health crisis.
Gravely Disabled
A condition in which a person, due to a mental health disorder, is unable to provide for their basic personal needs for food, clothing, or shelter. One of the criteria for an involuntary hold.
LPS Act
The Lanterman-Petris-Short Act — the California law governing involuntary civil commitment and the rights of people with mental health disorders.
5150 Designation
The authorization, granted to specific trained personnel, to write (initiate) an involuntary hold.
Riese Hearing
A hearing to determine a patient’s capacity to refuse antipsychotic medication; addresses treatment over objection in non-emergency situations.
📋

Assessment Scales & Tools

Common screening and rating instruments used in psychiatric nursing practice.
PHQ-9 — Patient Health Questionnaire
A 9-item self-report tool that screens for and measures the severity of depression.
GAD-7 — Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale
A 7-item self-report tool used to screen for and measure the severity of generalized anxiety.
C-SSRS — Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
A structured tool used to assess the severity and immediacy of suicidal ideation and behavior.
AIMS — Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale
A tool used to screen for and monitor tardive dyskinesia, especially in patients on antipsychotics.
CIWA-Ar — Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol
A scale used to assess and manage the severity of alcohol withdrawal.
MMSE / MoCA
Brief cognitive screening tools (Mini-Mental State Exam; Montreal Cognitive Assessment) used to assess cognition.
💊

Medication Categories

Broad drug classes only. Always confirm dosing, indications, and warnings with current prescribing information.
Antipsychotics (Typical & Atypical)
Medications used to treat psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. “Typical” (first-generation) and “atypical” (second-generation) differ in side-effect profiles.
LAIs — Long-Acting Injectables
Antipsychotic medications given by injection at intervals (e.g., every 2 weeks to 3 months) to support adherence.
Mood Stabilizers
Medications used to manage mood episodes in bipolar disorder (e.g., lithium and certain anticonvulsants). Several require blood-level or organ monitoring.
Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, etc.)
Medications used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, grouped by mechanism (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, atypicals, TCAs, MAOIs).
Anxiolytics / Benzodiazepines
Medications used for acute anxiety and agitation; benzodiazepines carry dependence and sedation risks and require careful use.
Stimulants & ADHD Medications
Medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, including stimulant and non-stimulant options.
🧠

Clinical Terms & Abbreviations

Frequently used terminology in psychiatric nursing.
EPS — Extrapyramidal Symptoms
Movement-related side effects (e.g., dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism) associated with antipsychotic medications.
NMS — Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
A rare, life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics marked by high fever, rigidity, and autonomic instability. A medical emergency.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Involuntary, repetitive movements that can develop with long-term antipsychotic use; monitored with the AIMS.
SI / HI
Suicidal Ideation / Homicidal Ideation — documented components of a mental status and risk assessment.
MSE — Mental Status Exam
A structured assessment of a patient’s appearance, behavior, mood, affect, thought process, thought content, cognition, insight, and judgment.
Affect vs. Mood
Affect is the observed, moment-to-moment emotional expression; mood is the patient’s sustained, self-reported emotional state.
💬

Therapy Modalities

Common evidence-based approaches referenced in psychiatric care.
CBT — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
A structured, goal-oriented therapy focused on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns.
DBT — Dialectical Behavior Therapy
A therapy combining acceptance and change strategies; emphasizes mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
ACT — Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
An approach that promotes psychological flexibility through acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action.
Motivational Interviewing
A collaborative, patient-centered method for strengthening a person’s own motivation and commitment to change.
Trauma-Informed Care
An approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and emphasizes safety, trust, and avoiding re-traumatization.

Help us grow the dictionary

Notice something to add, refine, or correct? This is a living reference built by and for psychiatric nurses. Send us your suggestions.

Suggest an Entry →