Author: Glossary

The chromosome involved in down syndrome (trisomy 21), which is most frequently due to nondisjunction of chromosome 21, resulting in 3, rather than 2, chromosomes (and making the total 47 chromosomes rather than the normal total of 46). The genetic defect in familial alzheimer’s disease is located on chromosome 21, the same chromosome that has…

Involuntary motor movement, usually of the arms and upper torso (and sometimes trunk and legs), that may be caused by rheumatic fever (sydenham’s chorea) or huntington’s disease. Continuous involuntary and irregular movements of the limbs or facial muscles. Nervous condition marked by involuntary muscular twitching of the limbs or facial muscles. The ceaseless occurrence of…

Receptors in the brain and autonomic nervous system (ans) to which acetylcholine binds. Acetylcholine plays an important role in cognition and memory as well as in a host of other physical functions (e.g., heart, lung, gastrointestinal tract). Cholinergic receptors are classified as either nicotinic or muscarinic, depending on their differential sensitivities to the extrinsic molecules…

The theory that the basic defect in Alzheimer’s disease is an inadequacy of acetylcholine for neurotransmission.  

An older conventional antipsychotic medication (a phenothiazine of the aliphatic class) used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Chlorpromazine is infrequently prescribed today. Although available only as generic, it may still be known by the discontinued brand name thorazine. Major tranquilizer and antiemetic used in the treatment of certain psychotic disorders and…

A long-acting benzodiazepine anxiolytic medication used commonly to treat alcohol withdrawal and used less frequently in psychiatry to treat anxiety disorders. Marketed under the brand name librium. A minor tranquilizer. A yellow crystalline powder, used as a tranquilliser and treatment for alcoholism. A sedative and tranquilizing drug with ‘muscle relaxant properties, used to relieve tension,…

A developmental disorder of childhood characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years of life followed by loss of previously acquired skills in two or more of the following: expressive or receptive language, social skills or adaptive behavior, bowel or bladder control, play, and motor skills. In addition, there is gross impairment…

The subspecialty of psychiatry that is involved in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders in persons younger than 18 years.  

Application of modified psychoanalytic methods and goals to problems of children to remove impediments to normal personality development.  

A culture-specific syndrome.