Definition of "mental disturbance" [mental disturbance]

• (psychiatry) a psychological disorder of thought or emotion; a more neutral term than mental illness (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "If the teachings of Christianity were to be generally followed, there would very rarely be a paretic, since for the most part syphilis is acquired only from illegitimate intercourse; there would be no alcoholism; and the untold distress caused by mental disturbance would be spared mankind."
• "In the individual cases described by Esquirol we recognize a more profound mental disturbance than is shown in the epidemic or hysterical variety."
• "A chronic state of exhaustion produces psychoses, severe and protracted hæmorrhages, weakness due to chronic purulent disease, malignant new growths, etc. Occasionaly the mental disturbance bears a direct relation to phases of the female sexual life (menstruation, pregnancy, labour, suckling, change of life)."