Author: Glossary

Anatomical and physiological features that relate to the male’s procreative capacity.  

“Evil eye” is a term widely found in Mediterranean cultures and elsewhere in the world. Children are especially at risk, and also sometimes females. Symptoms include fitful sleep, crying without apparent cause, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.  

Unsuccessful attempts at adaptation. An enduring failure of adjustment. Difficulty experienced in fitting into society or family. Struggling to adapt to changes in one’s surroundings, leading to difficulties in managing daily tasks. Stressful events like divorce or relocating can trigger such maladjustment. Individuals might experience feelings of depression or anxiety, and in children and teens,…

Continuing a therapeutic drug after it has reached efficacy to prevent an early relapse or a later recurrence of illness. For instance, in clinical trials of antidepressants, there are three phases of treatment: the acute phase (which usually lasts 6–8 weeks), the continuation phase (2–6 months), and the maintenance phase (more than 6 months). Reducing…

A type of brain imaging that measures the magnetic fields created by the electrical activity of nerve cells, both cortical and subcortical. The detection of the small amount of magnetic activity that results from electrical discharges within the brain. MEG may be used, e.g., prior to neurological surgery to provide a map of the part…

A specialized technique associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Mrs allows  doctors to obtain biochemical information about the tissues of the human body in a noninvasive way, whereas MRI provides information only about the structure of the body (i.e., the distribution of water and fat).  

A conviction that thinking equates with doing. Occurs in dreams in children and in patients under a variety of conditions. Characterized by lack of realistic relationship between cause and effect. A delusional thought process characteristic of schizophrenia in which the individual believes that his or her actions will have a profound impact on the course…