Depression Glossary of TermsThe following are health and medical definitions of terms that appear in the Depression article.
Abdominal: Relating to the abdomen, the belly, that part of the body that contains all of ... See the entire definition of AbdominalAbdominal pain: Pain in the belly. Abdominal pain can be acute or chronic. It may reflect ... See the entire definition of Abdominal painAbnormal: Outside the expected norm, or uncharacteristic of a particular patient. Acne: Localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of the oil glands at the ba... See the entire definition of AcneAcupuncture: The practice of inserting needles into the body to reduce pain or induce anes... See the entire definition of AcupunctureADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Adrenaline: A stress hormone produced within the adrenal gland that quickens the heart bea... See the entire definition of AdrenalineAlzheimer's disease: A progressive degenerative disease of the brain that leads to dementi... See the entire definition of Alzheimer's diseaseAmitriptyline: An antidepressant medication. In some patients with depression, abnormal l... See the entire definition of AmitriptylineAnalysis: In psychology, a term for conversation-based therapeutic processes used to gain ... See the entire definition of AnalysisAnemia: The condition of having a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or quantity ... See the entire definition of AnemiaAntidepressant: Anything, and especially a drug, used to prevent or treat depression. Antidepressants: Anything, and especially a drug, used to prevent or treat depression. Anxiety: A feeling of apprehension and fear, characterized by physical symptoms such as pa... See the entire definition of AnxietyAromatherapy: A form of alternative medicine in which essential oils or other scents are i... See the entire definition of AromatherapyAtypical: Unusual, or not fitting a single diagnostic Biochemical: Relating to biochemistry, the application of the tools and concepts of chemis... See the entire definition of BiochemicalBiofeedback: A method of treatment that uses a monitor to measure patients' physiologic in... See the entire definition of BiofeedbackBipolar disorder: A mood disorder sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic-depr... See the entire definition of Bipolar disorderBirth control: Birth control is the use of any practices, methods, or devices to prevent p... See the entire definition of Birth controlBlood pressure: The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is... See the entire definition of Blood pressureBlurred vision: Lack of sharpness of vision with, as a result, the inability to see fine d... See the entire definition of Blurred visionBowel: The small and large intestine. Brain: The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It func... See the entire definition of BrainCancer: An abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, ... See the entire definition of CancerCarbohydrate: One of the three nutrient compounds, along with fat and protein, used as ene... See the entire definition of CarbohydrateChronic: In medicine, lasting a long time. A chronic condition is one that lasts 3 months ... See the entire definition of ChronicClinical depression: Depressed mood that meets the DSM-IV criteria for a depressive disord... See the entire definition of Clinical depressionCocaine: A substance derived from the leaves of the coca plant that is a bitter, addictive... See the entire definition of CocaineCognitive: Having to do with thought, judgment, or knowledge. Cognitive therapy: A relatively short-term form of psychotherapy based on the concept that... See the entire definition of Cognitive therapyConstipation: Infrequent and frequently incomplete bowel movements. Constipation is the op... See the entire definition of ConstipationCymbalta: Brand name for duloxetine hydrochloride, a drug approved by the FDA to treat maj... See the entire definition of CymbaltaDepression: An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that affects the way... See the entire definition of DepressionDiabetes: Refers to diabetes mellitus or, less often, to diabetes insipidus. Diabetes mell... See the entire definition of DiabetesDiagnosis: 1 The nature of a disease; the identification of an illness. 2 A ... See the entire definition of DiagnosisDizziness: Painless head discomfort with many possible causes including disturbances of ... See the entire definition of DizzinessDopamine: An important neurotransmitter (messenger) in the brain. Dry mouth: The condition of not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. This is due to... See the entire definition of Dry mouthDuloxetine: See: Cymbalta. Dysfunction: Difficult function or abnormal function. Dysthymia: A type of depression involving long-term, chronic symptoms that are not disabli... See the entire definition of DysthymiaEffective dose: The dose of a drug that will achieve the desired effect. Elavil: See: Amitriptyline. Electroconvulsive therapy: The use of controlled, measured doses of electric shock to indu... See the entire definition of Electroconvulsive therapyEmergency department: The department of a hospital responsible for the provision of medica... See the entire definition of Emergency departmentEpinephrine: A substance produced by the medulla (inside) of the adrenal gland. The name e... See the entire definition of EpinephrineEssential: In medicine, of unknown cause, as in essential hypertension (high blood pressur... See the entire definition of EssentialFamily history: The family structure and relationships within the family, including inform... See the entire definition of Family historyFamily therapy: A type of psychotherapy designed to identify family patterns that contribu... See the entire definition of Family therapyFatigue: A condition characterized by a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency ... See the entire definition of FatigueFatty acids: Molecules that are long chains of lipid-carboxylic acid found in fats and oil... See the entire definition of Fatty acidsFDA: Food and Drug Administration. Folic acid: One of the B vitamins that is a key factor in the synthesis (the making) of nu... See the entire definition of Folic acidFood and Drug Administration: An agency within the US Public Health Service that provides ... See the entire definition of Food and Drug AdministrationGeneric: 1. The chemical name of a drug. 2. A term referring to the chemical... See the entire definition of GenericGenes: The basic biological units of heredity. Segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) nee... See the entire definition of GenesGenetic: Having to do with genes and genetic Grief: The normal process of reacting to a loss. The loss may be physical (such as a death... See the entire definition of GriefHeadache: A pain in the head with the pain being above the eyes or the ears, behind the he... See the entire definition of HeadacheHeart: The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. ... See the entire definition of HeartHeart disease: Any disorder that affects the heart. Sometimes the term "heart disease" is ... See the entire definition of Heart diseaseHerbal: 1. An adjective, referring to herbs, as in an herbal tea. Heredity: The genetic transmission of characteristics from parent to child. HIV: Acronym for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodefi... See the entire definition of HIVHomicide: 1. The killing of a person. 2. Strictly speaking, the killing of a... See the entire definition of HomicideHormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activit... See the entire definition of HormoneHypnosis: A part of healing from ancient times. The induction of trance states and the use... See the entire definition of HypnosisHypothyroid: Deficiency of thyroid hormone which is normally made by the thyroid gland wh... See the entire definition of HypothyroidismIncidence: The frequency with which something, such as a disease or trait, appears in a pa... See the entire definition of IncidenceIndicate: In medicine, to make a treatment or procedure advisable because of a particular ... See the entire definition of IndicateIndication: 1. In medicine, a condition which makes a particular treatment or proce... See the entire definition of IndicationInfection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, an... See the entire definition of InfectionInpatient: A patient whose care requires a stay in a hospital. As opposed to an outpatient... See the entire definition of InpatientInsomnia: The perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep due to a number ... See the entire definition of InsomniaInterpersonal therapy: A form of psychotherapy in which the focus is on a patient's relati... See the entire definition of Interpersonal therapyIntervention: The act of intervening, interfering or interceding with the intent of modify... See the entire definition of InterventionIsolate: A group in which mating is always between members of the group. For example, the ... See the entire definition of IsolateLaboratory: A place for doing tests and research procedures, and for preparing chemicals a... See the entire definition of LaboratoryLevothyroxine: A synthetic thyroid hormone used as a thyroid hormone replacement drug (bra... See the entire definition of LevothyroxineLithium: A naturally occurring salt that, in purified form, is used to treat certain psych... See the entire definition of LithiumLithium carbonate: See: Lithium. Major depression: A disease with certain characteristic signs and symptoms that interferes... See the entire definition of Major depressionMania: An abnormally elevated mood state characterized by such symptoms as inappropriate... See the entire definition of ManiaManic: In a state of mania. MAOI: Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. Meditation: A typically self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind.... See the entire definition of MeditationMemory: 1. The ability to recover information about past events or knowledge. ... See the entire definition of MemoryMonoamine oxidase inhibitor: One of a potent class of medications used to treat depression... See the entire definition of Monoamine oxidase inhibitorMouth: 1. The upper opening of the digestive tract, beginning with the lips and con... See the entire definition of MouthMuscle: Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. T... See the entire definition of MuscleMusic therapy: The use of music in therapy; the therapeutic use of music. There are many d... See the entire definition of Music therapyNausea: Stomach queasiness, the urge to vomit. Nausea can be brought on by many causes, in... See the entire definition of NauseaNeuroleptic: A term that refers to the effects of antipsychotic drugs on a patient, especi... See the entire definition of NeurolepticNeurotransmitter: A chemical that is released from a nerve cell which thereby transmits an... See the entire definition of NeurotransmitterNursing: 1) Profession concerned with the provision of services essential to the maintena... See the entire definition of NursingObesity: The state of being well above one's normal weight. Omega-3 fatty acids: A class of fatty acids found in fish oils, especially from salmon and... See the entire definition of Omega-3 fatty acidsOrgan: A relatively independent part of the body that carries out one or more special func... See the entire definition of OrganOutpatient: A patient who is not hospitalized, but instead comes to a physician?s office, ... See the entire definition of OutpatientPain: An unpleasant sensation that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony. Pa... See the entire definition of PainPanic: A sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought or action. The wor... See the entire definition of PanicParkinson's disease: A slowly progressive neurologic disease that is characterized by a fi... See the entire definition of Parkinson's diseasePerimenopause: The time in a woman's life when physiological changes occur that begin the... See the entire definition of PerimenopausePersonality disorder: A disorder characterized by the chronic use of mechanisms of coping ... See the entire definition of Personality disorderPharmacy: A location where prescription medications are sold. A pharmacy is constantly sup... See the entire definition of PharmacyPlacebo: A "sugar pill" or any dummy medication or treatment. Postpartum: The period just after delivery, as with postpartum depression. Postpartum refe... See the entire definition of PostpartumPostpartum depression: A form of severe depression after delivery that interferes with dai... See the entire definition of Postpartum depressionPredispose: To make more likely or render susceptible. Smoking predisposes to a number of ... See the entire definition of PredisposePregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. Thi... See the entire definition of PregnancyPrescription: A physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug or dev... See the entire definition of PrescriptionPrescription drug: A drug requiring a prescription, as opposed to an over-the-counter dr... See the entire definition of Prescription drugPrognosis: The forecast of the probable outcome or course of a disease; the patient's chan... See the entire definition of PrognosisPsychiatric: Pertaining to or within the purview of psychiatry, the medical specialty conc... See the entire definition of PsychiatricPsychiatrist: A physician who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of m... See the entire definition of PsychiatristPsychiatry: The medical specialty that is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and tr... See the entire definition of PsychiatryPsychology: The study of the mind and mental processes, especially in relation to behavior... See the entire definition of PsychologyPsychotherapy: The treatment of a behavior disorders, mental illness, or any other conditi... See the entire definition of PsychotherapyRecurrent: Appearing or occurring again. For example, a recurrent fever is a fever that ha... See the entire definition of RecurrentRejection: In transplantation biology, when the body's immune system attacks transplanted ... See the entire definition of RejectionRemedy: Something that consistently helps treat or cure a disease. Reuptake: The reabsorption of a secreted substance by the cell that originally produced an... See the entire definition of ReuptakeRule out: Term used in medicine, meaning to eliminate or exclude something from considera... See the entire definition of Rule outScan: As a noun, the data or image obtained from the examination of organs or regions of... See the entire definition of ScanSchizophrenia: One of several brain diseases whose symptoms may include loss of personalit... See the entire definition of SchizophreniaSensitivity: 1. In psychology, the quality of being sensitive. As, for example, sen... See the entire definition of SensitivitySerotonin: A neurotransmitter that is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Sero... See the entire definition of SerotoninShock: In medicine, a critical condition that is brought on by a sudden drop in blood flow... See the entire definition of ShockSleep: The body's rest cycle. Sleep disorders: Any disorder that affects, disrupts, or involves sleep. The most common... See the entire definition of Sleep disordersSodium: The major positive ion (cation) in the fluid surrounding cells in the body. The ch... See the entire definition of SodiumSSRI: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, one of a family of antidepressant medication... See the entire definition of SSRISt John's wort: A flowering plant, Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's wort, tha... See the entire definition of St John's wortStress: In a medical or biological context stress is a physical, mental, or emotional fact... See the entire definition of StressStroke: The sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood... See the entire definition of StrokeSubstance: 1. Material with particular features. Substance abuse: The excessive use of a substance, especially alcohol or a drug. (There is... See the entire definition of Substance abuseSuicidal: Pertaining to suicide. the taking of ones own life. As in a suicidal gesture, su... See the entire definition of SuicidalSupportive care: Treatment given to prevent, control, or relieve complications and side ef... See the entire definition of Supportive careSyndrome: A combination of symptoms and signs that together represent a disease process. Therapy: The treatment of disease. Therapy is synonymous with treatment. Thyroid: 1. The thyroid gland. Also, pertaining to the thyroid gland. 2. A p... See the entire definition of ThyroidThyroid hormone: A chemical substance made by the thyroid gland for export into the bloods... See the entire definition of Thyroid hormoneTired: A feeling of a lessened capacity for work and reduced efficiency of accomplishment,... See the entire definition of TiredTiredness: See: Tired. Transplant: The grafting of a tissue from one place to another, just as in botany a bu... See the entire definition of TransplantTremor: An abnormal, repetitive shaking movement of the body. Tremors have many causes and... See the entire definition of TremorTricyclic antidepressants: One of a class of medications used to treat depression. The tri... See the entire definition of Tricyclic antidepressantsVitamins: The word "vitamin" was coined in 1911 by the Warsaw-born biochemist Casimir Funk... See the entire definition of VitaminsWeight loss: Weight loss is a decrease in body weight resulting from either voluntary (die... See the entire definition of Weight lossX-ray: High-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-ray is used... See the entire definition of X-ray
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