Author: Glossary

A science that concerns itself with the division of human beings into races and their origin, distribution, relations, and characteristics. The study of ethnic groups characterized by a common set of customs, beliefs, language, or cultural origin. The study of the different races of mankind and their variations a branch of anthropology that deals mainly…

A common heritage shared by a particular group. Heritage includes similar history, language, rituals, and preferences for music and foods.  

A short-acting nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic medication used in the treatment of insomnia. Marketed under the brand name lunesta.  

A short-acting benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic medication used to treat insomnia. Now available only as generic but may still be known by the discontinued brand name prosom.  

A progressive neurological disorder most commonly manifested by tremor of the arms, which can also occur in the head, jaw, and voice. Also known as kinetic tremor. Anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as cognitive difficulties have been linked to essential tremor. Recent studies have indicated that onset after age 65 years may be associated…

A culture-specific syndrome.  

Brand name (now discontinued) for lithium carbonate. A commercial preparation of lithium carbonate.  

A newer selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication (the isolated s-enantiomer of citalopram) approved for treatment of major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. Marketed under the brand name lexapro.  

The fear of blushing. Abnormal dread of blushing or fear of being diffident or embarrassed.  

An abnormally strong sexual desire. Pathological preoccupation with erotic fantasies or activities. A delusion that the individual is loved by some person, often a person of importance. Sometimes, but not always, this progresses to schizophrenia. The delusion that one is loved by another person, especially a person of high economic, social, or political status. The…