An Update Regarding Seasonal Illnesses

To help prevent the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses, we strongly encourage all visitors to wear a mask while in ambulatory clinics or inpatient units. Surgical masks are available at hospital and clinic entrances. Patients with respiratory illnesses should also wear masks. Thank you for helping protect our patients, staff, and community.

Language

Psychiatric Disability

Psychiatric Disability

Noun

Acute or chronic mental illness. Psychotic, schizophrenic, neurotic and similar words should only be used in the appropriate clinical context. Use psychiatric disability, psychiatric illness, emotional disorder, or mental disorder. Crazy, manic, lunatic, demented, psycho, and schizo are offensive.

Source

UMass Medical and UMassMemorial Health Care’s Diversity + Inclusion, Diversity Toolkit

The Glossary for Culture Transformation is a living document to be revised on an annual basis.

Suggested Citation: Office of Equity, Vitality, and Inclusion, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, and Boston University Medical Group. Glossary for Culture Transformation. 2021.

For questions or suggestions, please email wordsmatter@bu.edu