Term	Definition	Example
Low mood	A persistent, mild-to-moderate flatness or sadness that doesn't lift — distinct from a passing bad day, and distinct from clinical depression, which this episode does not name or diagnose.	"She's been experiencing low mood for approximately six weeks."
Anxiety	A persistent sense of worry, unease or dread, often without a single clear trigger.	"The anxiety has been affecting her sleep and concentration."
Sleep disturbance	A clinical umbrella term for any disruption to normal sleep — difficulty falling asleep, waking repeatedly, or waking too early.	"Are you experiencing any sleep disturbance at the moment?"
Appetite changes	A reduced or increased desire to eat, asked about as a standard functional-impact question.	"Have you noticed any appetite changes recently?"
Concentration	The ability to sustain attention on a task; difficulty concentrating is a common functional impact of low mood and anxiety.	"She reported difficulty with concentration at work."
Coping strategies	The practical things a person already does, consciously or not, to manage a difficult period.	"What coping strategies have you been using so far?"
Talking therapy / CBT	Structured psychological treatment through conversation rather than medication. CBT = cognitive behavioural therapy.	"We'd like to offer you a course of talking therapy."
Self-referral	A referral pathway a patient can initiate directly, without a GP appointment or a clinician's letter. Distinct from the general term "referral" (Episode 1).	"You can make a self-referral to the service."
Wellbeing	A person's overall state of being comfortable, healthy, and content. One compound word in UK English.	"The focus of today's appointment is your wellbeing."
Follow-up plan	A specific, concrete next step agreed at the end of a consultation — a named date, not an open-ended "come back if it doesn't improve." Distinct from the general term "follow-up" (Episode 1).	"Let's put together a follow-up plan before you leave."

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