psychological distress

USAGE SUMMARY

'psychological distress' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a state of mental suffering, often caused by anxiety or other mental health issues. For example: "The youths in this study reported feelings of psychological distress and a heightened sense of fear and anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The social, political, and psychological distress is growing.

The Guardian - Business

"The longer the detention the higher the psychological distress".

The New York Times

Most women survive the loss without lasting psychological distress.

The New York Times - Health

Kessler psychological distress scale.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale.

Health & Justice

Reduced psychological distress (IRIS* / K10*)  5.

Health & Justice

Cancer patients often experience psychological distress.

International Journal of Nursing Studies

The majority of participants also experienced psychological distress.

Health & Justice

Further, the pathway via psychological distress was explored.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Informal caregivers for dementia are vulnerable to psychological distress.

International Journal of Gerontology

Avoidance was strongly associated with psychological distress and poor adjustment.

Social Science & Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about mental health, use "psychological distress" to refer to a state of emotional suffering that may not meet the criteria for a specific disorder, but still significantly affects well-being.

Common error

Be specific when possible. While "psychological distress" is a valid term, providing context or specifying the type of distress (e.g., anxiety, depression) offers greater clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "psychological distress" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object or subject in a sentence. It identifies a state of mental or emotional suffering. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "psychological distress" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to describe a state of emotional suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When writing, use "psychological distress" to indicate a non-specific state of mental suffering, but specify the type of distress when possible for better clarity. Consider alternatives such as "emotional suffering" or "mental anguish" to add nuance. Be mindful that while "psychological distress" can be a symptom of mental illness, the two are not synonymous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

psychological suffering

Rephrases the original term with a slightly different emphasis.

emotional suffering

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the distress, implying a broader range of negative emotions.

mental anguish

Suggests a more intense and prolonged state of suffering.

emotional pain

Uses "pain" as a metaphor for the intensity of the emotional experience.

emotional turmoil

Highlights the chaotic and disruptive nature of the distress.

mental suffering

Emphasizes the cognitive and mental aspects of the distress.

mental burden

Highlights the weight and strain on mental well-being.

emotional discomfort

Indicates a milder form of distress, suggesting unease rather than intense suffering.

state of unease

Describes a condition of being unsettled or disturbed, often implying underlying anxiety.

emotional hardship

Highlights the difficult conditions and challenges one is facing due to psychological or emotional factors.

FAQs

How is "psychological distress" measured?

Psychological distress is often measured using standardized scales such as the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) or the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). These scales assess the frequency and severity of symptoms like anxiety and depression.

What are common causes of "psychological distress"?

Common causes include stress, trauma, chronic illness, relationship problems, and financial difficulties. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective intervention and management.

How does "psychological distress" differ from a mental illness?

While "psychological distress" refers to a state of emotional suffering, mental illness involves diagnosable conditions with specific criteria. Distress may be a symptom of a mental illness, but not all distress indicates mental illness.

What are some strategies for managing "psychological distress"?

Effective strategies include seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and building a strong support network. Addressing stressors and developing coping mechanisms are also important.