Glossary / Lexicon

Edema may be defined as: (1) the swelling of the brain (2) accumulation of fluid.

Edema is a medical term used to describe swelling caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues. While edema is a medical term and not directly related to psychology, it can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions or treatments.

Here are some examples of how edema can be related to mental health:

1. Antidepressant medication: Some types of antidepressants can cause edema as a side effect. This can be a result of changes in the body's fluid balance caused by the medication.

2. Eating disorders: Edema can be a symptom of eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, particularly when the person is malnourished and their body is not getting the nutrients it needs to function properly.

3. Trauma and stress: In some cases, emotional trauma or chronic stress can cause edema as a result of changes in the body's hormone levels or fluid balance.

4. Medication withdrawal: When someone stops taking a medication that causes edema as a side effect, they may experience a rebound effect where the swelling becomes more pronounced before it eventually subsides.

5. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): Edema can be a side effect of ECT, a treatment for severe depression and other mental health conditions that involves delivering electrical shocks to the brain.

Overall, while edema is not directly related to psychology, it can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions or treatments, and may be a sign that further medical evaluation is needed.