Author: Glossary

A group of progressive conditions that affect the brain and nervous system of many animals, including humans. According to the most widespread hypothesis, they are transmitted by prions. Mental and physical abilities deteriorate and myriad tiny holes appear in the cerebral cortex, causing it to look like a sponge when brain tissue obtained at autopsy…

Any disorder of verbal communication that is not due to faulty innervation of speech muscles or organs of articulation. The term includes many language and learning disabilities. Contrast with agraphia, aphasia, and apraxia in Table of Neurologic Deficits.  

The inability to recognize spatial relations; disordered spatial orientation.  

A rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive physical growth during the first 2 to 3 years of life. The disorder may be accompanied by mild intellectual disability; delayed motor, cognitive, and social development; hypotonia; and speech impairments. Children with sotos syndrome tend to be large at birth and are often taller and heavier, and have…

Brand name for the nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic drug zaleplon.  

A group of disorders with symptoms suggesting physical disorders but without demonstrable organic findings to explain the symptoms. there is positive evidence, or a strong presumption, that the symptoms are linked to psychological factors or conflicts. In dsm-iv-tr, this diagnostic category includes body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), conversion disorder, hypochondriasis, pain disorder, somatization disorder, undifferentiated somatoform…

One of the somatoform disorders, characterized by multiple physical complaints not fully explained by any known medical condition yet severe enough to result in medical treatment or alteration in lifestyle. Symptoms include pain in different sites, symptoms referable to the gastrointestinal tract and the sexual or reproductive system, and symptoms suggestive of a neurological disorder.…

The use of the body to express psychological states. Physical symptoms caused by psychological problems. Process of expressing emotional distress by physical complaints. The process of expressing a mental condition as a disturbed bodily function. Somatization disorder is a chronic condition characterized by the conversion of psychological stresses into physical symptoms, which can significantly disrupt…

In psychiatry, the biological treatment of mental disorders (e.g., electroconvulsive therapy [ect], psychopharmacological treatment). Contrast with psychotherapy.