identity crisis

crisis /cri·sis/ (kri´sis) pl. cri´ses   [L.]

1. the turning point of a disease for better or worse; especially a sudden change, usually for the better, in the course of an acute disease.

2. a sudden paroxysmal intensification of symptoms in the course of a disease.

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addisonian crisis , adrenal crisis fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss accompanying an acute attack of Addison's disease.

blast crisis  a sudden, severe change in the course of chronic granulocytic leukemia with an increase in the proportion of myeloblasts.

genital crisis of newborn  estrinization of the vaginal mucosa and hyperplasia of the breast, influenced by transplacentally acquired estrogens.

hemolytic crisis  acute red cell destruction leading to jaundice, occasionally seen with sickle cell disease.

identity crisis  a period in the psychosocial development of an individual, usually occurring during adolescence, manifested by confusion over one's self, values, or perceived role expected by society.

sickle cell crisis  a broad term for several acute conditions occurring with sickle cell disease, including hemolytic crisis and vaso-occlusive crisis.

thyroid crisis , thyrotoxic crisis thyroid storm; a sudden and dangerous increase of symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.

vasoocclusive crisis  severe pain due to infarctions in the bones, joints, lungs, liver, kidney, spleen, eye, or central nervous system, an acute condition seen with sickle cell anemia.

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identity crisis

n.

A psychosocial state or condition of disorientation and role confusion occurring especially in adolescents as a result of conflicting pressures and expectations and often producing acute anxiety.

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identity crisis

Etymology: L, idem, the same; Gk, krisis, turning point

a period of confusion concerning an individual's sense of self and role in society, which occurs most frequently in the transition from one stage of life to the next. It is often expressed by isolation, negativism, extremism, and rebelliousness.

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identity crisis

Psychology A conflict in a person's perceived role in society, which may be accompanied by a loss of the sense of self and historical continuity. See Crisis, Psychosocial development.