Author: Glossary
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Vascular dementia
Formerly known as multi-infarct dementia; it is the result of multiple cerebral infarcts in persons with atherosclerotic disease. Typically, the course is one of a period of clinical stability punctuated by sudden significant cognitive and functional losses (stepwise deterioration). A form of mental degeneration due to disease of the blood vessels in the brain. A…
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Varenicline
A medication used to treat nicotine addiction. A nicotinic receptor partial agonist, it reduces cravings for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Marketed under the brand name chantix.
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Valproic acid
An anticonvulsant medication used in neurology in the treatment of complex partial seizures and in psychiatry as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder. Marketed under the brand names depakene and stavzor. Anticonvulsant used to prevent some types of seizures. Adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, hair loss, headache, liver damage, and decreased blood-clotting ability. An…
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Valproate
An anticonvulsant medication used in neurology in the treatment of complex partial seizures and in psychiatry as a mood stabilizer to treat bipolar disorder. Marketed under the brand name depacon.
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Valium
Brand name for the benzodiazepine anxiolytic drug diazepam. A commercial preparation of diazepam. A trade name for diazepam. A previous brand name for diazepam, a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, which is used for treating anxiety, relaxing muscles, and controlling seizures.
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Valerian
The common name for valeriana officinalis. The root and other underground parts of this plant, grown in Europe and in the warmer climates of Asia, are used by individuals to treat anxiety and mild insomnia. It is believed to work by stimulating gaba (gammaaminobutyric acid) receptors, which may reduce anxiety—the same mechanism of action produced…
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Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Stimulation of the vagus nerve for the treatment of refractory seizure disorders or treatment-resistant depression. A treatment for seizures and treatment-resistant depression in which a generator sends electrical impulses along the left vagus nerve. The impulse generator is typically inserted under the clavicle on the left side of the chest during a brief surgical procedure.…
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Utilization review committee
A committee of physicians and other clinical staff formed in a hospital to review the quality of services rendered, the length of hospital stay for inpatients, and the effective and appropriate use of various clinical services. A committee charged with the review of health care utilization, effectiveness, and cost. A committee, made up primarily of…
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Urophilia
One of the paraphilias, characterized by marked distress over, or acting on, sexual urges that involve urine.
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Undoing
A defense mechanism consisting of behavior that symbolically atones for, makes amends for, or reverses previous thoughts, feelings, or actions. A defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, in which something unacceptable and already done is symbolically acted out in reverse, usually repetitiously, in the hope of relieving anxiety. Atonement.