Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Remission / Español: Remisión / Português: Remissão / Français: Rémission / Italiano: Remissione

Remission in the psychology context refers to a reduction or disappearance of symptoms associated with a mental health disorder, indicating a period of improvement or recovery. It does not necessarily mean a permanent cure, but rather a significant alleviation of the symptoms that were previously affecting the individual's daily functioning.

Description

In psychology, remission occurs when the severity of a mental disorder lessens to the point where a person experiences fewer or no symptoms for a period of time. This can happen in various conditions, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. A person in remission may feel as though their mental health has improved to a manageable or even "normal" state, though they may still need to continue treatment or therapy to maintain this stability.

There are two primary types of remission:

• Partial remission: The individual still experiences some symptoms of the disorder, but these symptoms are much less severe or disruptive than during the acute phase of the illness.
• Full remission: The individual no longer experiences any significant symptoms of the disorder, though they may still be at risk for a recurrence in the future.

In clinical psychology, remission is a critical goal of treatment, particularly in long-term mental health conditions. Effective therapy, medication, or a combination of both can lead to remission, but maintaining it often requires ongoing management strategies, such as continued therapy, medication adherence, or lifestyle changes.

Remission is often viewed as a stage within the broader course of a mental health condition, and it may be followed by relapse (the return of symptoms) if triggers or stressors are not managed effectively.

Special Considerations

While remission can offer relief from symptoms, it’s important to recognize that it is not necessarily a permanent state. Individuals in remission may still require ongoing care, as stress or changes in life circumstances could lead to a relapse. For this reason, psychologists emphasize the importance of continued therapy, support, and self-care, even during periods of remission.

Additionally, the criteria for remission vary depending on the disorder. For example, in major depressive disorder (MDD), remission is often defined as the absence or near-absence of depressive symptoms for at least two months, whereas in conditions like schizophrenia, remission might be defined by a significant reduction in symptoms related to delusions or hallucinations.

Application Areas

Remission is an important concept in the treatment and management of various psychological conditions, including:

1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Remission in depression is a key goal, where symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation subside.
2. Anxiety Disorders: Reducing the intensity and frequency of anxiety attacks or feelings of worry.
3. Bipolar Disorder: Managing manic or depressive episodes with medication and therapy to achieve periods of remission.
4. Schizophrenia: Alleviation of symptoms like hallucinations and delusions to allow individuals to function more effectively in their daily lives.
5. Substance Use Disorders: Remission refers to periods of sobriety or significantly reduced substance use, often requiring long-term support to prevent relapse.

Well-Known Examples

• Depression: A patient who no longer meets the clinical criteria for major depression after a period of treatment is considered to be in remission, though ongoing monitoring is often necessary.
• Schizophrenia: A person whose hallucinations or delusions have diminished significantly due to antipsychotic medications may be considered in remission, but they may still require long-term treatment to maintain stability.
• Substance Use Disorders: In the context of addiction, remission might be a period of sobriety following successful treatment, but the risk of relapse remains, requiring sustained intervention.

Treatment and Risks

Although remission is a positive outcome in the treatment of psychological disorders, there are risks associated with assuming that remission equals full recovery. Relapse is a common occurrence in many mental health conditions, particularly if treatment is prematurely stopped or if external stressors resurface. Regular follow-up, continuous therapy, or medication management may be needed to sustain remission and prevent a return of symptoms.

Similar Terms

• Recovery: The broader process of improving one's mental health, often involving periods of remission but also focusing on long-term well-being and functionality.
• Relapse: The return of symptoms after a period of remission, often necessitating adjustments in treatment.
• Symptom Reduction: A general decrease in the severity or frequency of symptoms, which may be part of a progression toward remission.

Weblinks

• finanzen-lexikon.de: 'Remission' in the finanzen-lexikon.de (German)

Summary

In the psychology context, remission refers to a significant reduction or disappearance of symptoms associated with a mental health disorder, indicating a period of improvement. While remission can be partial or full, it does not necessarily mean a permanent cure, and ongoing treatment is often required to maintain this state and prevent relapse. Recognizing remission as a stage in managing mental health conditions allows for better planning and support to sustain long-term well-being.

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