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Don't Expect a 20th Nervous Breakdown

Term goes the way of smelling salts as experts seek accuracy

By Greg Atwan, Newser User

Posted Apr 15, 2008 10:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – “Nervous breakdown” has long been a catchall for psychological conditions as varied as depression and schizophrenia. But as psychiatric patients emerge from stigmatized isolation—and as the DSM fattens—scientists are chucking the antiquated term in favor of a more descriptive and accurate taxonomy. “I haven’t heard that term in years,” one expert tells MSNBC.

Weary celebrities like Judy Garland and Zelda Fitzgerald brought the nebulous phrase into the vernacular, but now that bipolar disorder, OCD, and psychotic episodes are household words, the phenomenon of a broken-down patient retreating to solitude is also disappearing. “The major emphasis now with the mentally ill is on recovery,” a researcher says.

Sumo wrestler Asashoryu made headlines in Japan when he was said to suffer a 'nervous breakdown' last year. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder, File)

So-called 'nervous breakdowns' are increasingly known by more scientific nomenclature (Index Open)

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Don't Expect a 20th Nervous Breakdown

Term goes the way of smelling salts as experts seek accuracy

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depression • psychiatry • schizophrenia • mental illness • bipolar disorder • psychiatric disorders • nervous breakdowns

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More Newser Stories

Book: Best Leaders Are Mad

Mania, depression may help leaders through crises

Lawyers Search Loughner's Family for Signs of Insanity

Team subpoenas records dating back to 1893

Without Mental Illness, More People on Antidepressants

Study finds non-psychiatrists are increasingly prescribing antidepressants

Father of Teens Killed by Mom: 'I Don't Hate Julie'

Parker Schenecker says his accused wife suffered from chronic depression

Outdoor Workouts Improve Mental Health

Exercise in fresh air boosts mood; for greater benefits, just add water

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Don't Expect a 20th Nervous Breakdown

Term goes the way of smelling salts as experts seek accuracy

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

depression • psychiatry • schizophrenia • mental illness • bipolar disorder • psychiatric disorders • nervous breakdowns

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Book: Best Leaders Are Mad

Mania, depression may help leaders through crises

Lawyers Search Loughner's Family for Signs of Insanity

Team subpoenas records dating back to 1893

Without Mental Illness, More People on Antidepressants

Study finds non-psychiatrists are increasingly prescribing antidepressants

Father of Teens Killed by Mom: 'I Don't Hate Julie'

Parker Schenecker says his accused wife suffered from chronic depression

Outdoor Workouts Improve Mental Health

Exercise in fresh air boosts mood; for greater benefits, just add water

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?