Author: Glossary

One of two major subgroups of sleep disorders (parasomnias are the other major subgroup) in which the predominant disturbance is in the amount, quality, or timing of sleep. In dsm-iv-tr, this group includes primary insomnia, primary hypersomnia, narcolepsy, breathing-related sleep disorders, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Nocturnal myoclonus is classified as a sleep disorder not…

Unpleasant mood characterised by an exaggerated feeling of depression and unrest. Disquiet, restlessness. Generally unhappy mood, depression, and anxiety. A state of feeling unwell or unhappy; the opposite of euphoria. A long-lasting mood disorder marked by depression and unrest without apparent cause; a mood of general dissatisfaction, restlessness, anxiety, discomfort, and unhappiness. Dysphoria is characterized…

Difficulty recalling certain types of memories.  

Inability to read or difficulty in reading, including word blindness and a tendency to reverse letters and words in reading and writing. A perceptual dysfunction characterized by the inability to clearly distinguish words and letters in the way and order presented. A disorder of development, where a person is unable to read or write properly…

Impairment in the ability to write, as a result of brain dysfunction. An impaired ability to write because of ataxia, tremors, or similar conditions. Inability to write correctly. Difficulty in writing caused by a brain lesion. Dysgraphia is a disorder characterized by writing difficulties. More specifically, it is defined as difficulty in automatically remembering and…

Difficulty in speech production caused by lack of coordination of the speech apparatus. Interference with the proper articulation of speech. Imperfect speech articulation; stammering. Difficulty in speaking words clearly, caused by damage to the central neryous system. Difficult, often unclear speech, resulting from malfunctioning of the muscles used in pronouncing words, often because of damage…

Prefix typically used to indicate that a function has not developed normally (e.g., dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyslexia) or to indicate a lack of normal function.    

The study of psychiatry from the point of view of motivation, emphasizing both psychological meaning and biological instincts as forces relevant to understanding human behavior in health and illness. Contrast with descriptive psychiatry. The study of the origin, influence, and control of emotions. This involves investigating the factors both from within and without that alter…

British term for placebo.  

A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also approved for the treatment of pain in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Marketed under the brand name cymbalta.