Author: Glossary

Medications that ameliorate the symptoms of parkinson’s disease. In psychiatry, these medications are used to treat the untoward parkinson-like and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) induced by antipsychotics, particularly the older conventional antipsychotics.  

Anticholinergic medications that selectively block nicotinic receptors.    

Anticholinergic medications that selectively block muscarinic receptors. An anticholinergic drug that affects the muscarinic type of receptor. Referring to a drug which blocks acetylcholine receptors found on smooth muscle in the gut and eye. Opposing the action of muscarine or agents that act like muscarinics. Atropine and scopolamine are antimuscarinic drugs.  

Interference with the action of acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system by any drug. In psychiatry, the term generally refers to the side effects of antipsychotic medications, tricyclic antidepressants, and antiparkinsonian medications. Common symptoms of anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and decreased ability to urinate.  

Drugs that reduce the production or block the action (receptor antagonist) of testosterone. In psychiatry, antiandrogens are used to control repetitive, deviant sexual behaviors such as paraphilias and paraphilia-related disorders. These drugs also are commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer. A substance that reduces levels of androgens (male hormones). Drugs that oppose the…

Brand name for disulfiram. A drug used in treatment of alcoholism to create an aversive response to alcohol. It blocks the normal metabolism of alcohol and produces increased blood concentrations of acetaldehyde which cause very unpleasant reactions including flushing of the skin, pounding of the heart, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. With more severe…

From the Greek “loss of knowledge,” it usually occurs among people who have had a STROKE in the right hemisphere of the BRAIN, which has made them unable to use the left arm or leg (hemiplegic). A small proportion of these hemiplegic patients cannot perceive that they are paralyzed. The apparent denial or unawareness of…

A condition in which the patient appears unconcerned with or minimizes the significance of neurological and neuropsychological deficits. Indifference to one’s sickness.  

The inability to achieve orgasm. Classified as primary orgasmic dysfunction or secondary orgasmic dysfunction. Also pertains to situational or coital or random orgasmic dysfunction. Absence of a climax (orgasm) in sexual relations.