Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Rare psychological conditions refer to mental disorders or illnesses that occur infrequently within the population. These conditions often have unique characteristics and may require specialized treatment approaches.
Related terms
Mental Health Disorders: This term refers to a wide range of conditions that affect an individual's thoughts, emotions, behavior, or overall well-being.
Diagnostic Criteria: This term refers to a set of symptoms and criteria used by clinicians to identify and classify specific mental disorders according to established diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5.
Epidemiological Study: This term refers to research that focuses on studying the patterns, causes, and impacts of diseases or conditions within a specific population.