830 Glossary of Technical Terms
subsyndromal Below a specified level or threshold required to qualif y for a particular
condition. Subsyndromal conditions ( formes frustes) are medical condit ions that do not
meet full criteria for a diag nosis—for example, because the symptoms are fewer or less
severe than a defined syndrome—but that nevertheless can be identified and related to
the “full-blown” syndrome.
suicidal ideas (suicidal ideation) Thoughts about self-harm, with deliberate consider-
ation or planning of possible techniques of causing one’s own death.
suicide The act of intentionally causing one’s own death.
suicide attempt An attempt to end one’s own life,  which may lead to one’s death.
suspiciousness Expectations of—and sensitivity to— signs of interpersonal ill intent or
harm; doubts about loyalty and fidelity of ot hers; feelings of being mistreated, used,
and/or persecuted by others. Suspiciousness is a facet of the broad personality trait do-
main D ETACHMENT .
symptom A subjective manifestation of a pathological condition. Symptoms are reported
by the affected individual rather than observed by the examiner. Compare with SIGN .
syndrome A grouping of signs and symptoms, ba sed on their frequent co-occurrence
that may suggest a common underlying pathog enesis, course, familia l pattern, or treat-
ment selection.
synesthesias A condition in which stimulation of  one sensory or cognitive pathway
leads to automatic, involunt ary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.
temper outburst An emotional outburst (also calle d a “tantrum”), usually associated
with children or those in emotional distress, and typically characterized by stubborn-
ness, crying, screaming, defiance, angry rant ing, a resistance to attempts at pacifica-