Author: Glossary
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Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections
This term is used to describe a subset of disorders in children who have obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or tic disorders such as tourette’s disorder, and in whom symptoms worsen following streptococcal infections (e.g., strep throat/scarlet fever). The children usually have dramatic, “overnight” onset of symptoms, including motor or vocal tics, obsessions, and/or compulsions. In addition to…
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Pederasty
Homosexual anal intercourse between men and boys with the latter as the passive partners. The term is used less precisely to denote male homosexual anal intercourse. Male sexual relations with a boy. Anal intercourse between a man and a young boy.
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Physicians’ desk reference (PDR)
The compendium of all drugs that have been approved by the food and drug administration (FDA), including dosage, side effects, and contraindications. An annual publication compiled by the pharmaceutical industry providing detailed information on prescription drugs. An annual compendium of information concerning drugs, primarily prescription, and diagnostic products published primarily for physicians and widely used…
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Pervasive developmental disorder
Also primary degenerative dementia. In dsm-iv-tr, this group includes autistic disorder, rett’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and asperger’s disorder. The category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) includes autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), Asperger’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994). PDD is characterized by impairment…
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Paxil
Brand name for the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drug paroxetine hydrochloride.
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Pathological gambling
An impulse-control disorder whose pathological and maladaptive nature is suggested by the following: preoccupation with gambling; handicapping or planning the next venture with scheming to get money to gamble with; a need to gamble with more and more money in order to achieve the desired excitement; restlessness or irritability when attempting to reduce or stop…
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Pastoral counseling
The use of psychological principles by clergy trained to assist members of their congregation who seek help with emotional problems.
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Passive-aggressive personality disorder
A proposed disorder (listed in dsm-iv-tr appendix b, “criteria sets and axes provided for further study”) characterized by a pervasive pattern of negativistic attitudes and passive resistance to others’ expectations of and demands for adequate performance in social and occupational situations. Behavioral tactics include procrastination; postponement of completion of routine tasks; sulkiness, irritability, or argumentativeness…
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Partial hospitalization
A psychiatric treatment program for patients who require hospitalization only during the day, overnight, or on weekends. Formal programs of care in a hospital or other institution for periods of less than 24 hours a day, typically involving services usually provided to inpatients. There are two principal types: night hospitalization for patients who need hospitalization…
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Paroxetine mesylate
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication related to paroxetine hydrochloride (paxil) and indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Marketed under the brand name pexeva.