Schema
Schema (Medicine)
Schema (pronounced: /ˈskiːmə/), in the field of medicine, refers to a mental framework that helps in the interpretation and organization of information. The term is derived from the Greek word "σχῆμα" (skhēma), meaning shape or plan.
Definition
A schema is a cognitive framework or concept that helps individuals organize and interpret information. Schemas can be useful because they allow individuals to take shortcuts in interpreting a vast amount of information. However, these mental frameworks also cause us to exclude pertinent information to focus instead only on things that confirm our pre-existing beliefs and ideas. Schemas can contribute to stereotypes and make it difficult to retain new information that does not conform to our established ideas about the world.
Application in Medicine
In medicine, schema is often used in the context of cognitive psychology and neurology. Medical professionals use schemas to understand and predict patient behavior, diagnose mental health conditions, and plan treatment strategies. For example, a doctor might use a schema to predict how a patient with a particular mental health condition might react to a specific treatment based on previous cases.
Related Terms
- Cognitive Psychology: The study of mental processes such as "attention, language use, memory, perception, problem solving, creativity, and thinking."
- Neurology: A branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and disease involving the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Mental Health: Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Schema
- Wikipedia's article - Schema
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