Author: Glossary

A nonstimulant alpha2a-adrenergic receptor agonist originally developed to treat high blood pressure (brand name tenex). An extended-release formulation (brand name intuniv) of guanfacine was approved in 2007 for use in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  

An antihypertensive medication that may cause depression and delirium. The brand name ismelin was discontinued by the manufacturer in 2009, and no generics are currently available. A drug that is used to reduce high blood pressure. It is administered by mouth; common side-effects are diarrhea, faintness, and dizziness.  

Application of psychotherapeutic techniques by a therapist who uses the emotional interactions of the group members to help them get relief from distress and possibly modify their behavior. Other types of psychotherapy (e.g., cognitivebehavioral therapy) can also be provided in a group setting. Typically, a group is composed of 4–12 persons who meet regularly with…

A formal association of three or more physicians, or other health professionals, organized to provide a continuum of broader-based care than is usually provided by a single practitioner. Twenty-four-hour coverage by those within the group, different services, and different specialties may make more services available and management less cumbersome than is possible in larger health…

The interactions and interrelationships among members of a therapy group and between members and the therapist. The effective use of group dynamics is essential in group treatment. The process of interaction of a person and the group is concerned with the effect of a group on a person’s readiness to change or to maintain certain…

Normal, appropriate emotional response to an external and a consciously recognized loss; it is usually time-limited and subsides gradually. To be distinguished from depression. A powerful emotion. Symptoms may include emotional debilitation, interference with mental, emotional, and physiological functioning can be mild, severe, momentary, or prolonged. Its stages are characterized by numbness, depression, and recovery.…

The outer layer of the cerebral cortex.  

Exaggerated belief or claims of one’s importance or identity, often manifested by delusions of great wealth, power, or fame. An inflated appraisal of one’s own worth, power, knowledge, importance, or identity. An exaggerated sense of self-importance, power, or status.  

As conceptualized in Heinz Kohut’s (1913–1981) self psychology, one part of the bipolar self. The efforts of the child to elicit continuing praise from the parents by being perfect. The mother’s generally positive responses to those efforts affirm the child’s worth and promote the development of self-esteem and self assertive ambitions, pursuit of goals, and…