mental imbalance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mental imbalance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing psychological or emotional disorders that disrupt normal mental functioning. For example, "The patient was diagnosed with a mental imbalance that affected their daily life." Alternative expressions include "psychological disorder" and "emotional instability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It took 15 minutes in a Japanese bookstore, however, to redress my mental imbalance.

The New York Times - Style

It is an unsettling study of how mental imbalance strains friendship -- a direction that both surprised the filmmaker and didn't.

The New York Times

On his first day there, he met Carl Solomon, two years younger but already bearing a history of mental imbalance.

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Kidman's Woolf is one of the most disturbing portraits of mental imbalance ever brought to the screen.

The New York Times

Without proper guidance practices involving extensive concentration or breath retention can cause mental imbalance or physical discomfort.

University of California, Berkeley

Her mental imbalance showed itself in 1502 in the form of extravagant, though justified, jealousy of the unfaithful Philip.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The more I researched and talked to pro-cannabis physicians, patients, researchers and historians who studied the plant, the more I heard incredible testimonials of recovery from illnesses and mental imbalances in addition to, as one patient told me, "just a better outlook on life".

Huffington Post

Childbirth was fast and relatively painless (thanks to a highly-effective epidural) and he was an excellent sleeper, all of which made him easy to love right from the start, and unlike after the birth of my firstborn, the bond with my youngest son was not clouded with hormonal imbalances and mental instability.

Huffington Post

If you suspect a mental health imbalance in yourself or a family member, consider tracking the frequency, severity, and duration of worrisome symptoms until a visit with a counselor or health professional can be arranged.

WikiHow

Look for signs of persistent irritability, mood swings, changes in weight or eating habits, substance abuse, insomnia or oversleeping, denial, and other mental health imbalances or personality changes in assessing whether counseling may be beneficial.

WikiHow

"All the failures have accumulated and caused mental and emotional imbalance for that country," Rouhani said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "mental imbalance", provide specific examples or context to clarify the nature and impact of the imbalance. For instance, instead of stating simply that someone has a "mental imbalance", describe how it manifests in their behavior or cognitive processes.

Common error

Do not use the term "mental imbalance" as a blanket diagnosis. Instead, provide specific details about the individual's symptoms, behaviors, or cognitive patterns. A detailed description enhances clarity and reduces the risk of misinterpretation or stigmatization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mental imbalance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a condition of disrupted psychological or emotional equilibrium. It is frequently used to indicate a deviation from normal mental functioning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mental imbalance" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of disrupted psychological or emotional equilibrium. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and relatively common, appearing in varied contexts, including news, academic writing and encyclopedias. While "mental imbalance" itself isn't inherently stigmatizing, it's crucial to use it with sensitivity, providing context to avoid generalizations and, as Ludwig AI shows, is best paired with specific examples to enhance clarity. Related phrases include "psychological disorder" and "emotional instability", offering alternative ways to convey similar concepts. Using precise language can help clarify meaning and mitigate potential stigma when addressing mental health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mental instability

This alternative directly mirrors the original phrase but emphasizes the lack of stability.

psychological disorder

This alternative is a more clinical and widely recognized term for describing a range of mental health conditions.

lack of mental equilibrium

This alternative emphasizes the absence of a stable mental state.

emotional instability

This alternative focuses specifically on the erratic or unregulated nature of emotions.

emotional dysregulation

This alternative describes the inability to manage emotional responses appropriately.

disturbed mental state

This alternative describes a condition of disrupted or disordered mental functioning.

cognitive impairment

This alternative refers to a decline or deficit in cognitive functions such as memory, attention, or problem-solving.

cognitive dysfunction

This alternative refers to impaired cognitive processes, impacting reasoning and memory.

unbalanced mind

This alternative uses a more metaphorical construction to suggest a lack of equilibrium in mental state.

psychic disequilibrium

This alternative suggests a disturbance in mental or emotional balance, using more formal language.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "mental imbalance"?

You can use alternatives like "psychological disorder", "emotional instability", or "cognitive impairment depending on the specific context".

How can I use the phrase "mental imbalance" in a sentence?

You can use "mental imbalance" to describe a state of disrupted psychological or emotional equilibrium. For example: "The doctor suspected a "mental imbalance" due to the patient's erratic behavior".

What is the difference between "mental imbalance" and "mental illness"?

"Mental imbalance" is a more general term that suggests a lack of equilibrium in mental state, while "mental illness" typically refers to diagnosed medical conditions. The former can encompass temporary or situational disruptions, whereas the latter implies a more chronic or severe condition.

Is "mental imbalance" a stigmatizing term?

While "mental imbalance" itself is not inherently stigmatizing, it's essential to use it with sensitivity and provide context to avoid generalizations. Clear, respectful communication can help reduce potential stigma.