The biomedical model views illness as caused by a fault in the person’s biology that is treated by a medical doctor.

Holism sees the person as a whole, not divided between biology, psychology, spirituality and social life.

Holism sees the person as a whole, not divided between biology, psychology, spirituality and social life.

Mencap works with people with a learning disability to change laws, challenge prejudice and support them to live their lives as they choose.

A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. It is used as a therapeutic technique.

PRN is short for the Latin term Pro re nata, which means ‘as the need arises’.

Sectioning is a term commonly used to describe detention and treatment under the Mental Health Act, i.e. a person has been sectioned.

Service user is the common term used to describe people with mental health problems who are supported by health professionals.