Shrink
Shrink
Shrink (pronounced: /ʃrɪŋk/) is a term commonly used in the medical field, particularly in the context of psychiatry and psychology. It is often used colloquially to refer to a psychiatrist or psychologist. The term originated from the idea that these professionals "shrink" or reduce the size of one's problems or mental health issues.
Etymology
The term "shrink" is derived from the phrase "head shrinker", which was originally used to refer to tribal practitioners who shrunk heads, particularly in certain indigenous cultures. In the mid-20th century, the term began to be used in a more metaphorical sense to refer to psychiatrists and psychologists, who are seen as reducing or "shrinking" mental problems.
Related Terms
- Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems.
- Psychologist: A professional specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, emotional disturbance, and behavior problems. Psychologists can only use talk therapy as treatment; you must see a psychiatrist or other medical doctor to be treated with medication.
- Psychotherapy: A general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider.
- Psychoanalysis: A type of psychotherapy that was created by Austrian physician Sigmund Freud and further developed by his followers. It's a therapeutic process of freeing the patient from unconscious constraints.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A common type of talk therapy (psychotherapy). You work with a mental health counselor (psychotherapist or therapist) in a structured way, attending a limited number of sessions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Shrink
- Wikipedia's article - Shrink
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