Glossary

Mushrooms

Psilocybin is a chemical compound found in certain mushrooms that has hallucinogenic effects when broken down by the body. These mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms, are generally grown in Mexico and Central America and have been used in native rituals for thousands of years. In modern-day, magic mushrooms are eaten recreationally or taken as a form of informal therapy, given that the hallucinations caused by psilocybin can be vivid and pleasurable.

Magic mushrooms affect everyone who takes them in different ways. Given that they are grown and not synthesized, it is difficult to tell how much psilocybin is contained in each mushroom, which impacts the ability to self-regulate. Common side effects of taking mushrooms include nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. In certain cases, intense hallucinations can induce psychosis and exacerbate the conditions of psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition that affects people’s view of themselves and others around them. It is characterized by the need to feel important or impressive, sometimes paired with a lack of empathy for others. People with NPD tend to put their own wellbeing at risk to fulfill their desires, often harming themselves in the process. The condition gets its name from the myth of the Greek hunter Narcissus, who was so enamored by his own reflection that he stared at it until he died.

Narcissistic personality disorder is relatively common, with around 5% of the U.S. population having some form of NPD. It is also 50-70% more common in males than females. Often, NPD is developed at an early age due to trauma, abuse, or too much/too little attention and praise. NPD frequently occurs in tandem with other mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Treatment for the condition includes talk therapy and medication.

Neurocognitive Disorders

Primary clinical deficit is in cognitive function, acquired rather than developmental, i.e., in which impaired cognition has not been present since birth or early life and represents a decline from a previously attained functioning. Alzheimer’s, dementia, etc. This definition is expanding to become encompassing, as development is not always clear and these disorders are not solely for older adults

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) impact brain development, learning, and cognitive function. Symptoms of NDDs tend to manifest in children or adolescents, but many people go undiagnosed until adulthood. Common neurodevelopmental disorders include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), motor disorders like Tourette Syndrome and cerebral palsy, and learning / communication disorders.

It is estimated that around 5-20% of the general population has some kind of NDD. The wide estimation range is due to the variety of severity and expression of symptoms; some people have mild symptoms of a neurodevelopmental disorder which may go unnoticed until adulthood. Some people may never even find out that they have an NDD at all, and will simply live with the disorder unbeknownst to them and their loved ones. Treatments for NDDs vary depending on the specific disorder but often include behavioral therapy and medication.