nervous breakdown


noun

(not in technical use) any disabling mental disorder requiring treatment.

Origin of nervous breakdown

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

British Dictionary definitions for nervous breakdown

nervous breakdown

noun

any mental illness not primarily of organic origin in which the patient ceases to function properly, often accompanied by severely impaired concentration, anxiety, insomnia, and lack of self-esteem; used esp of episodes of depression

Medical definitions for nervous breakdown

nervous breakdown

n.

A severe or incapacitating emotional disorder, especially when occurring suddenly and marked by depression.