I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all technical or medical definition since this is an umbrella term covering various types of problems ranging from simple neuroses all the way to the first manifestations of acute schizophrenia. So it’s hardly that useful of a term. To replace it, the precise definition depends upon the eventual diagnosis which obviously varies from one person to another. It’s a shortcut way to say that someone is in crisis (as opposed to normal everyday functioning).
My former Psychiatrist (with 25 yrs. experience) had an interesting take on that usage. He said that his preffered description would be “breakUP” as in it breaks up the carefully constructed facade of repression and denial that enables some people with serious underlying problems to appear to have everything under controll.
Repression takes a ton of energy to maintain over time and when that type of energy fades, it prompts a breakup of dysfunctional patterns that has the potential to produce true strength coming from inner growth and development that comes with addressing reality. That growth and insight does not fade over time.
Interesting perspective which made a lot os sense at the time (and still does).
And appropriately “shrinky”.
So now I’ll go see what Mayo clinic’s take on it is.