Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Atypical psychosis

    In DSM-lII-R, a psychotic disorder not otherwise specified; a residual category for psychotic symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a specific psychotic disorder. In DSM-lII-R, a residual category for persons who have psychotic symptoms that do not meet the criteria for specific mental disorders. A disorder in which the symptoms do not meet…

  • Atypical depression

    In dsm-iv-tr, depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a specific depressive disorder. A form of depression in which overeating and oversleeping are commonly observed, often but not exclusively in association with leaden paralysis, extreme sensitivity to interpersonal rejection, and highly reactive moods. The condition typically has an earlier age of onset than…

  • Atypical antipsychotics

    The newer generation of antipsychotic medications (also called second-generation antipsychotics [SGAs]), known as serotonin-dopamine antagonists (SDAs) because they have an effect on serotonin receptors (in particular, 5-HT2a receptors) as well as dopamine receptors (in particular, D2 receptors). Currently available atypical antipsychotics include aripiprazole, asenapine, clozapine, iloperidone, olanzapine, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone. Class of prescription…

  • Atypical antidepressants

    A group of newer antidepressant medications unrelated to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Examples of atypical antidepressants include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., (duloxetine), noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NaSSAs); e.g., mirtazapine), and serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs; e.g., trazodone). These agents are used to treat depression,…

  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type

    Characteristic symptoms include inappropriately leaving one’s seat in the classroom or running about, fidgeting or squirming, difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly, difficulty awaiting one’s turn in games, and blurting out answers to questions before they are completed.  

  • Predominantly inattentive type

    Characteristic symptoms include distractibility, difficulty in sustaining attention or following through on instructions in the absence of close supervision. Other symptoms include avoidance of tasks that require sustained mental effort, failure to pay close attention to details in schoolwork or other activities, difficulty in organizing activities, not listening to what is being said to him…

  • Attention

    The ability to sustain focus on one activity. A disturbance in attention may appear as having difficulty in finishing tasks that have been started, being easily distracted, or having difficulty in concentrating. All the processes by which people perceive on a selective basis. The directing of consciousness to a person, thing, perception, or thought.  

  • Attachment theory

    A type of theory that is meant to describe and explain people’s enduring patterns of relationships from birth to death. In attachment theory, attachment is a bond between the child and the caregiver that guarantees safety and survival of the child. Variations of or failures in early attachment are thought to predispose To, or be…

  • Attachment learning

    The theory that the presence of someone to whom one is emotionally attached has a special effect on how one learns, especially in infancy.  

  • Atomoxetine

    A nonstimulant selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor medication indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Marketed under the brand name strattera.