The Wellness Shop - Relief from depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia

A

Abuse

Excessive use of a drug (such as alcohol, narcotics etc). Taking of a drug without medical justification.

Acid

LSD (slang).

Acute psychotic episode

Psychotic episode with a rapid onset and typified by lack of symptoms that indicate that a psychotic episode might be imminent.

Acute psychotic patients

Patients out of touch with reality or suffering from severe hallucinations or delusions or an acute psychotic episode.

Addiction

State of physical and/or psychological dependence on a substance.

Additional behaviours

Caused by positive symptoms or symptoms that are a direct result of schizophrenia. Include: hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, agitation….

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Adrenaline

One of two chemicals (the other is noradrenaline/norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland that increases the speed and force of heart beats. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine. An increased flow of blood then reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise, stress and in some cases fear.

Affective symptoms

Negative or mood symptoms of schizophrenia.

Agoraphobia

Abnormal fear of being helpless in a situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing that is characterised initially often by panic or anticipatory anxiety and finally by avoidance of open or public places.

Agranulocytosis

An acute disease marked by high fever and a sharp drop in circulating granular white blood cells. It may be drug-induced or the result of exposure to radiation. This is one of the side effects seen in the use of the drug clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic.

Alcohol abuse

Misuse or excessive use of alcohol that may lead to addiction.

Alcoholic

Someone who is addicted to alcohol.

Alcoholism

The addiction to alcohol.

Alprazolam

A benzodiazepan (tranquiliser) any of several similar lipophilic amines used as tranquilizers or sedatives or hypnotics or muscle relaxants; chronic use can lead to dependency. Medication or therapeutic agent used in high strength forms such as clonazepam and lorazepam to treat a number of symptoms in bipolar disorder or epilepsy, especially anxiety, tension and sleep problems.

Alzheimer’s disease

Progressive, degenerative disease that occurs in the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Although it tends to occur in elderly people, Alzheimer’s disease may present earlier e.g. during middle age.

Amino acid

Any of various organic acids containing both an amino group and a carboxyl group, especially any of the 20 or more compounds that link together to form proteins.

Amphetamine sulphate

Type of amphetamine.

Amphetamines

Originally developed to treat conditions such as asthma, sleep disorders and hyperactivity. Stimulants of the central nervous system. Some of their affects are similar to cocaine. They are addictive drugs.

Amyl nitrates

Formerly used to treat angina; today this is only done in emergency cases.

Anaemia

Deficiency of red blood cells. This affects the blood’s oxygen-carrying ability, causing tiredness and other symptoms. Sometimes described as iron deficiency.

Anaesthetic

Agent used to numb part of the body (local anaesthetic) or put a person to sleep (general anaesthetic) for surgery or medical intervention.

Analgesics

A medication capable of reducing or eliminating pain.

Angel dust

See Phencyclidine.

Angina

Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries, and occurs when the heart muscle is not getting enough blood.

Anticonvulsants

Medicines developed to treat convulsions or seizures. Mood stabilizing anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Antidepressants

A drug used to prevent or treat clinical depression.

Anti-epileptic drugs

Medication to treat epilepsy. Some anti-epileptics are also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Antihistamines

Drug that blocks histamine and is typically used to treat allergic reactions. Histamine is a physiologically active depressor amine found in plant and animal tissue, derived from histidine by decarboxylation and released from cells in the immune system as part of an allergic reaction. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, and vasodilator.

Antipsychotic, antipsychotic drug

A class of drugs mainly used to treat schizophrenic, paranoid, schizoaffective and other psychotic disorders, acute delirium and dementia and manic episodes.

Antipyretic

Any medicine that lowers body temperature to prevent or alleviate fever.

Anxiolytics

A tranquilizer used to relieve anxiety and reduce tension and irritability.

Arrhythmia

Irregular heart beat. Arrhythmia can be a side effect of some medications, but is also a naturally occurring medical condition.

Asperger syndrome

Mild form of autism, alternatively described as High Functioning Autism. Individuals with Asperger syndrome tend to have normal intelligence and language skills, but may have deficiencies in communication and social skills.

Aspirin

Often used as an analgesic (against minor pains and aches), antipyretic (against fever), and anti-inflammatory. It has also an anticoagulant (blood thinning) effect and is used in long-term low-doses to prevent heart attacks.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Disorder that affects the ability of a child to concentrate, affects behaviour and the ability of a child to sit still or be involved in ‘quiet’ activities. If symptoms persist into adulthood, the disorder is described as Adult Attention Deficit Disorder.

Atypical antipsychotic

Newer type of medication or agent used to treat mental disorders and psychosis such as: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder etc. Also called atypical neuroleptic. The older type of antipsychotics is called typical antipsychotics or classic neuroleptics.

Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that emerges in early childhood. It affects the way a person communicates and limits his/her ability to relate to others in a meaningful way, develop friendships, show signs of affection, appreciate cuddles or understand other people’s feelings. Because the severity and variation of symptoms, the disorder is often referred to as Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ASD.

Autistic spectrum

Autism occurs along a continuum, which ranges from mildly affected, very high functioning and verbal (e.g. Asperger syndrome) to severely affected, low functioning and nonverbal autism.

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)

See autism.

B

Barbiturates

Drugs that act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. They produce a wide spectrum of effects from mild sedation to anaesthesia. Some barbiturates are used to treat convulsions.

Behavioural symptoms

Symptoms that affect the behaviour of the individual with a mental disorder. Behavioural symptoms play a significant role in most mental disorders and often require specific treatment programmes.

Benzodiazepines

Type of medication or therapeutic agent used in high strength forms such as clonazepam and lorazepam to treat a number of symptoms in bipolar disorder, especially sleep problems.

Beta-blockers

Used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension (qv)). Some beta-blockers are also used to relieve angina and to prevent further heart attacks in people who have experienced a heart attack. They are sometimes used to treat a number of other conditions.

Bipolar disorder

Also known as manic depression (qv). Symptoms are abnormal and extreme moods. Mood swings will vary from severe depression to a state of euphoria or mania (qv).

Bipolar disorder I

Bipolar disorder with manic or mixed episodes being followed by periods of severe depression. Episodes can last up to weeks or months.

Bipolar disorder II

Bipolar disorder with symptoms of repeated depressive episodes followed by occasional episodes of hypomania or a mild mania.

Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified

Term used when a person with bipolar disorder does not fit in to the categories: bipolar disorder I, bipolar disorder II or cyclothymic disorder (qv).

Blow

Cannabis (slang).

Blues

Amphetamines (slang).

Blunted emotional expression

Lack of emotional response or expression and sense of apathy with lack in interest in social contact. Often typified by poor eye contact, can also include speech deficit.

Blunting

Severe reduction of emotional expression observed in people with psychosis. Especially seen in schizophrenia patients.

Brain haemorrhage

Bleeding in or around the brain as a result of one or more broken blood vessels in the brain. It can result in damage to the nerves in the brain and in severe cases in death.

Buspirone

A mild anti-anxiety tranquilizer that is used in the form of its hydrochloride and does not induce significant tolerance or psychological dependence.

Butyl nitrates

See Amyl Nitrate

C

C

Cocaine (slang).

Cake

Conventional baked synthesis of natural products producing mild euphoric symptoms in susceptible users.

Cannabis

Product of the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa). Available in the form of resin, e.g. hashish or dried leaves, i.e. marijuana.

Computer-assisted tomography CAT

Non invasive method of using digital processing to generate a three-dimensional image of the internals of an object or body, from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation. Also known as CAT-scan.

Charlie

Cocaine (slang).

Chlorpromazine

Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.

Chronic schizophrenia

Continuous or reoccurring pattern of schizophrenia. Seen in many schizophrenia patients. Requiring long-term treatment and medication. People with chronic schizophrenia do not tend to recover.

Clinical depression

Medical condition or mental disorder with a prolonged state of depression and more severe sadness and symptoms than seen in normal individuals. Clinical depression is a state of sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individual's social functioning and/or activities of daily living. Although a low mood or state of dejection that does not affect functioning is often referred to as depression, clinical depression is a medical diagnosis and is different from the everyday meaning of "being depressed".

Clomipramine

Belongs to tri-cyclic antidepressant class of medicines. Used in the treatment of depression.

Clonazepam

See Alprazolam

Clozapine

An antipsychotic drug with serious side effects (as seizures and agranulocytosis) that is used in the management of schizophrenia. A newer type of medication, also classified as an atypical antipsychotic or unconventional neuroleptic.

Cocaine

Powerful stimulant, derived from the coca tree in South America. Initially used as an anaesthetic for minor surgery, but no longer used in medical applications. This drug has a severe addictive effect and is often classed as a ‘hard drug’. Cocaine is generally sold on the street as cocaine hydrochloride a fine, white crystalline powder, soluble in water.

Codeine

Analgesic medication, obtained from opium or prepared from morphine.

Cognitive restructuring

Technique used in CBT to help people recognize and change distorted thinking and attitudes, and deal with stress and symptoms.

Cognitive-behavioural approaches

Approach to therapy that involves recognising distorted thinking and learning to replace it with less extreme and more manageable ideas.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

Type of psychotherapy used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, and other forms of psychological disorder. Involves recognising distorted thinking and learning to replace it with less extreme and more manageable ideas.

Coke

Cocaine. (slang)

Coma, comatose

An unconscious sleep-like state.

Combination therapy

Treatment that combines psychosocial and medical therapy to treat mental illness.

Compulsions

Repeated rituals or actions that can’t be controlled. These play a significant part in OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Conventional antipsychotics

Earlier form of antipsychotic medication, also known as typical antipsychotics.

Conventional neuroleptic

Earlier form of neuroleptic medication, also known as typical neuroleptics.

Conventional neuroleptics

Older type of medication or agent used to treat mental disorders and psychosis such as: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder etc. Also called typical antipsychotic or classic neuroleptics.

Convulsions

Also known as seizures, fits or attacks. May be a side effect of medications or drugs.

Crack cocaine

Known to users as crack, rock, wash or stone. Cocaine hydrochloride reverted to its base state also known as freebase. Pure cocaine in crystalline form, cannot be dissolved in water.

Cyclothymic disorder

This is a chronic fluctuating mood disturbance, which involves periods of hypomania and periods of depression. It is a milder form of bipolar disorder with less severe symptoms and shorter episodes.

D

Delusions

Irrational beliefs or convictions that a person with psychosis (often schizophrenia) holds on to, despite all evidence to the contrary. They are one of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Depressant

Medication to lower the rate of vital physiological activities and also used to treat sleep problems.

Dextro-amphetamine sulphate

Newer type of stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.

Diagnostic criteria

Term used by professionals to refer to the symptoms and characteristics required for identifying and diagnosing an illness or disorder.

Diazepam

Medication used to treat depression. Known as Valium. This medication can become addictive if used for a period of time.

Disorganised thinking

Lack of ability to think straight or focus ones attention. Thought disorder. One of the symptoms often observed in people with psychosis .

Disruptions

Side effects of psychotic medications that can cause disruptions to people’s live. These can include: extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPS), weight gain, sedation and sexual problems, and tend to be more severe in typical or older antipsychotic medication, than in atypical medication.

Disulfiram

Drug often given to alcoholics to act as a deterrent. It produces adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, flushing, and tachycardia if alcohol is consumed.

Dopamine

Together with serotonin, this neurotransmitter is believed to play a part in schizophrenia. Dopamine is a chemical naturally produced in the body. In the brain, dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter, activating dopamine receptors. Dopamine is also a neurohormone released by the hypothalamus. Its main function as a hormone is to inhibit the release of prolactin from the anterior lobe of the pituitary. Dopamine can be supplied as a medication that acts on the sympathetic nervous system, producing effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Dope

Cannabis (slang).

Double depression

Condition where people with Dysthymia or mild to moderate form of long-term depression start developing episodes of more severe or major depression. These episodes will alternate with the episodes of Dysthymia. Hence the use of the word double.

Droperidol

An antidopaminergic drug used as a post-operative anti-emetic and also as an antipsychotic used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.

DSM criteria

Criteria developed by the American Psychiatry Association and used to classify mental disorders. Current classification in use is DSM-IV. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is the handbook used most often in diagnosing mental disorders in the United States. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) is a commonly-used alternative internationally. The DSM tends to be the more specific of the two. Both assume medical concepts and terms, and state that there are categorical disorders that can be diagnosed by set lists of criteria. It is controversial and some mental health professionals and others question the utility of this classification system. The DSM has gone though five revisions (II, III, III-R, IV, IV-TR) since it was first published. The next version will be the DSM V, due in approximately 2011 (source Wikipedia).

Dysthymia

Alternative name for dysthymic disorder. A bipolar disorder or chronic mild depression that usually begins in early childhood. Symptoms typically keep a person from functioning or feeling well. A severe case can also lead to major depression.

E

Early treatment

When patients receive early treatment i.e. when the symptoms of a mental disorder are still relatively mild, the outcome for the patient will be significantly better than when not receiving early treatment.

Ecstasy

See MDMA. A man-made drug with both hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Sometimes referred to as electro shock treatment. These days this form of therapy is only used in people with severe mental disorders who do not respond to medication.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy (sometimes referred to as a seizure disorder) is a common chronic neurological condition that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked epileptic seizures. Seizures (or convulsions) are temporary abnormal electro-physiologic phenomena of the brain, resulting in abnormal synchronization of electrical neuronal activity. They can manifest as an alteration in mental state, tonic or clonic (violent or confused) movements and various other symptoms. They are due to temporary abnormal electrical activity of a group of brain cells. Seizures may occur in people who do not have epilepsy. It affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. It is usually controlled, but not cured, with medication – although surgery may be considered in difficult cases.

Episode

Period of mental illness or state during which the patients experiences the distinct symptoms of the state or the illness in question.

Extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPS)

A group of side effects from medication. Includes symptoms such as uncontrollable restlessness (i.e. finding it difficult to stand still), muscle stiffness, shaking and other uncontrollable movements.

Exposure and response prevention

Particular behaviour therapy used to treat people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. During the therapy the patient is deliberately confronted with the object of his/her fear or anxiety, whilst being encouraged not to ritualise.

Exposure therapy

During exposure therapy, the patient repeatedly relives the frightening experience under controlled conditions to help him or her work through the trauma.

F

Fluoxetine

Drug used for the treatment of depression and OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Not to be confused with Aversion Therapy (qv).

Fluphenazine

A tranquilizing drug used especially in the form of its hydrochloride in psychotherapy. Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.

Fluvoxamine

Medication used in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders.

G

Ganja

Cannabis (slang).

General anxiety disorder (GAD)

Persistent and unrealistic worry becoming the response to most situations. Characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about everyday things. The frequency, intensity, and duration of the worry are disproportionate to the actual source of worry, and such worry often interferes with daily functioning. GAD sufferers often worry excessively over things such as their job, finances, or the health of themselves and family. However, GAD sufferers can also worry over more minor matters such as deadlines for appointments, keeping the house clean, and whether or not their workspace is properly organized.

Glaucoma

Name of a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged to a point that it becomes detached. The condition is often the result of increased pressure in the eyeball. If untreated, glaucoma leads to blindness.

Grass

Cannabis (slang).

H

Hallucinations

Disturbed perceptions often seen in people with schizophrenia. They can occur in any sensory form (i.e. sound, sight, taste, touch) Hearing voices is often the most commonly experienced hallucination in people with schizophrenia.

Hallucinogens

Drugs that induce hallucinations.

Haloperidol

Typical or conventional antipsychotic, used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders. Tranquilizer (trade name Haldol) used to treat some psychotic disorders and Tourette's syndrome.

Hash/hashish

Cannabis (slang).

Heart failure

A degenerative condition that develops when the heart muscle weakens and the ventricle (or one of the heart chambers) no longer contracts normally. As a result, the heart can no longer pump enough blood to the body.

Hemp plant

Plant that produces cannabis or cannabis sativa.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is characterised by fatigue, malaise, joint aches, and abdominal pain, vomiting 2-3 times per day for the first 5 days, loss of appetite, dark urine, fever, enlarged liver and jaundice. Some chronic forms of hepatitis show very few of these signs and only present when the longstanding inflammation has led to the replacement of liver cells by connective tissue; the result is cirrhosis. Certain liver function tests can also indicate hepatitis. Viruses designated A to G.

Hepatitis B

Viral disease affecting the liver, that may be acute or chronic, and can be life-threatening. In developed countries, 95% of sufferers make full recoveries. Symptoms include: fever, malaise, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal tenderness, and elevated liver enzymes. In its chronic form, Hepatitis B may result in liver cirrhosis and/or cancer. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) can be transmitted by sexual contact, shared needles, or contaminated blood products.

Hepatitis C

This virus causes hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). It is carried and passed to others through blood or sexual contact. Also, infants born to infected mothers may become infected with the virus. It may lead to a chronic form of hepatitis, culminating in cirrhosis. It can remain asymptomatic for 10-20 years. No vaccine is available for hepatitis C. Patients with hepatitis C are prone to severe hepatitis if they contract either hepatitis A or B, so all hepatitis C patients should be immunized against hepatitis A and hepatitis B if they are not already immune. However, hepatitis C itself is a very lethal virus and can cause cirrhosis of the liver. The virus, if detected early on can be treated by a combination of interferon and the antiviral drug ribavirin.

Herb

Cannabis (slang).

Heroin

Highly addictive drug that is derived from morphine, and is obtained from the opium poppy.

Higher brain activity

Activity in the higher-orders brain areas or the areas in the brain that process complex, abstract information.

Higher brain centre

Area of the brain dedicated to higher functions, such as thought.

Higher purity heroin

This form of heroin enables users to snort or smoke the drug as opposed to injecting it.

Histamine

A physiologically active depressor amine found in plant and animal tissue, derived from histidine (found in fruits such as bananas and grapes, meat and poultry, and milk and milk products. It is also found in root vegetables and all green vegetables, though in lesser quantities).by decarboxylation (the process of removing a carboxyl group from a chemical compound, usually replacing it with hydrogen) and released from cells in the immune system as part of an allergic reaction. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, and vasodilator.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a medical condition wherein the blood pressure is chronically elevated. While it is formally called arterial hypertension, the word "hypertension" without a qualifier usually refers to arterial hypertension. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure.

Hyperventilation

Abnormal rapid and shallow breathing to the extent that the blood carbon dioxide level is lowered, which may lead to tingling in fingers and dizziness.

Hypoglycaemia

Abnormally low blood sugar levels. Symptoms in adults (which may indicate diabetes) include jitteriness, rapid breathing, and lethargy.

Hypomania

Mild form of mania or state of elated mood seen in people with bipolar disorder.

I

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

Programmed active therapy to treat depression. IPT focuses on four general areas: grief, role disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits. It is present-oriented and emphasizes patients’ exploring options and increasing their activities and social life.

Interruptions

An interruption occurs when someone doesn’t take medication as prescribed by the doctor or stops taking prescribed medication.

Intravenous

Direct injection of medication into a vein.

J

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K

Kindling

See Sensitisation.

L

Long-acting injectable (LAI)

Injectable medication that has a long-lasting slow release action.

Lithium

Lithium salts, particularly lithium carbonate is a traditional first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. Even with optimal treatment, many people with bipolar disorder do not achieve full remission and will experience recurring symptoms.

Lorazepam

See Alprazolam.

LSD

Powerful hallucinogenic. Synthetic drug derived from lysergic acid. Hence its slang name: acid. Causes dramatic changes in perceptions, mood and thoughts. Its effects are unpredictable and the drug is addictive.

Lucy

LSD (slang).

M

Magic mushroom

Fungi (Psilocybin) with hallucinogenic properties.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Formerly referred to as magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), MRI is a method used to visualize the inside of living organisms as well as to detect the composition of geological structures. It is primarily used to demonstrate pathological or other physiological alterations of living tissues and is a commonly used form of medical imaging. In clinical practice, MRI is used to distinguish pathologic tissue (such as a brain tumor) from normal tissue. One advantage of an MRI scan is that it is harmless to the patient. It uses strong magnetic fields and non-ionizing radiation in the radio frequency range. Compare this to CT scans and traditional X-rays which involve doses of ionizing radiation and may increase the chance of malignancy, especially in a fetus.

Major depression

Type of severe clinical depression.

Mania

Medical condition characterised by severely elevated mood. Excitement of psychotic proportions manifested by mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganization of behaviour, and elevation of mood Mania is most often associated with bipolar disorder, where episodes of mania alternate with episodes of depression. (Not all mania is bipolar disorder, other diseases can cause mania however bipolar disorder is the ‘classic’ manic disease).

Manic depression

Also known as bipolar disorder. This is a mood disorder with symptoms of abnormal and extreme moods. Mood swings will vary from severe depression to a state of euphoria or mania.

Marijuana

Cannabis in dried leaves, stalks or seed form.

MDA

Hallucinogenic drug.

MDMA

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Synthetic or semi-synthetic hallucinogenic drug. Commonly known as Ecstasy.

Medication schedule

Also called medication regimen. Prescribes or defines the time and the dosage of medication to be taken to treat an illness or disorder.

Mescaline

Hallucinogenic drug derived from the peyote cactus. The effective human dosage is 200–400 milligrams (3.75 mg/kg), with the effects lasting for up to twelve hours. Users typically experience visual hallucinations and radically altered states of consciousness, often experienced as pleasurable and illuminating but occasionally as accompanied by feelings of anxiety or revulsion. It is not physically addictive.

Methadone

Narcotic withdrawal and dependence suppressant, used to treat opioid addiction. (e.g. heroin)

Methamphetamine

Powerful stimulant that activates certain systems in the brain and can result in altered brain structures.

Methylphenidate

Newer type of stimulant medication, used to treat ADHD. A drug chemically related to amphetamine and that acts as a mild stimulant of the central nervous system, used especially in the form of its hydrochloride for the treatment of narcolepsy in adults and hyperkinetic disorders in children.

Mixed state

State of bipolar disorder during which symptoms of depression and mania are experienced at the same time. Symptoms can include: sleeping problems, agitation, significant change in appetite, psychosis and suicidal thoughts or tendencies. Depression goes together with manic activity.

MMR vaccine

Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, also known as triple vaccine. Caused a lot of debate in the UK as researcher claimed that children who were given the triple vaccine were at an increased risk of autism. To date there is no scientific evidence this is the case.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s)

Older type of antidepressant used to treat depression. This type of agent has considerable side effects and tends no longer to be used, unless the patient has been taking the medication for a long time or other medication is not beneficial. Any of a class of antidepressant drugs that block the action of monoamine oxidase in the brain, thereby allowing the accumulation of monoamines such as Norepinephrine.

Mood stabilising anticonvulsants

Medications originally developed to treat epilepsy, found popular in bipolar disorder for patients who do not respond to other treatment. Often used as an alternative to lithium. The most well-known anticonvulsants used to treat bipolar disorder are carbamazepine and valproate.

Mood stabilizers

Medication used to treat mood swings or altered moods. Mood stabilizers are used to treat bipolar disorder and in some cases also used in the treatment of autism.

Morphine

Opioid derivative, administered as a pain suppressant and relaxant. Morphine is a powerful opiate analgesic drug and is the principal active agent in opium. Like other opiates, morphine acts directly on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain, and at synapses of the arcuate nucleus, in particular. Side effects include impairment of mental performance, euphoria, drowsiness, lethargy, and blurred vision. It also decreases hunger, inhibits the cough reflex, and produces constipation. Morphine is highly addictive when compared to other substances, and tolerance and physical and psychological dependence develop quickly. Patients on morphine often report insomnia and nightmares.

MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)

Non-invasive, non-x-ray diagnostic technique based on the magnetic fields of hydrogen atoms in the body. MRI-scans provide computer-generated images of the body’s internal tissues and organs.

N

Naltrexone

Medication that blocks the effects of drugs such as: opioids and alcohol. Used in the treatment of alcoholism.

Narcolepsy

Rare sleep disorder with severe impact on those affected. Its symptoms can include hallucinations. The main characteristic of narcolepsy is overwhelming excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), even after adequate night time sleep. A person with narcolepsy is likely to become drowsy or to fall asleep, often at inappropriate times and places. Daytime naps may occur with or without warning and may be irresistible. These naps can occur several times a day. They are typically refreshing, but only for up to a couple hours. Drowsiness may persist for prolonged periods of time. In addition, night-time sleep may be fragmented with frequent wakening.

Narcotic analgesics

Substance that reduces perceptions of pain and produces a state of stupor or drowsiness by blocking the transmission of pain signals in the brain.

Nausea

Sick feeling and feeling of needing to throw up, which can precede vomiting. Nausea is not an illness in itself; it is rather a possible symptom of several conditions, many of which are not related to the stomach at all. In fact, more often than not nausea indicates a condition somewhere else in the body rather than in the stomach itself. An example of this is travel sickness, which is due to confusion between perceived movement and actual movement. Our sense of equilibrium lies in the ear and works together with eyesight. When these two don't "agree" to what extent the body is actually moving the symptom is presented as nausea even though the stomach itself has nothing to do with the situation. One would maybe expect a headache or something to that effect to be more logical since that would better indicate the problem's place of origin.

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Also called affective symptoms or mood symptoms.

Neuron

Nerve cell in the brain.

Neuroleptic

Type of medication or agent used to treat mental disorders and psychosis also called antipsychotics. Classic neuroleptics are the older generation of neuroleptics also typical antipsychotics whereas newer neuroleptics are called atypical antipsychotics.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released by the nerve cells in the brain from their nerve endings. These chemicals are involved in establishing the communication amongst the neurons or nerve cells and play a significant part in schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder.

Nitrates

Traditionally used stimulant medication to treat conditions such as angina by causing blood vessels to dilate and stimulate blood flow.

Non-compliance

Not adhering to the prescribed medication regime and dosage.

Noradrenaline

A neurotransmitter or chemical released by the nerve cells or neurons in the brain and the adrenal medulla. Noradrenaline plays a significant part in depression. One of two chemicals (the other is adrenaline) released by the adrenal gland that increases the speed and force of heart beats. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine. An increased flow of blood then reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise, stress and in some cases fear.

Norepinephrine

Alternative name for Noradrenaline (qv).

O

Obsession

Persistent thoughts that can’t be controlled such as an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions against your will. Obsessions play a significant role in OCD.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Also called OCD. Anxiety disorder that can last for the duration of one’s life. Someone with OCD becomes trapped in irrational patterns and behaviours that start dominating life. Examples: excessive hand washing and wiping door handles whenever someone has opened or closed a door.

Oestrogen

Hormone, produced mainly by the ovaries, responsible for female sexual development and female secondary sex characteristics.

Olanzapine

Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. A newer type of medication, also classified as an atypical antipsychotic or unconventional neuroleptic. Newer agents tend to have fewer side effects.

Opiate

Drugs whose origin is the opium poppy, including codeine and morphine.

Opioid

Scientific term denoting both natural and synthetic opiates or opium derived drugs. Opioids are strong analgesics.

Opium

Addictive narcotic drug extracted from the seed capsules of the opium poppy.

OROS methylphenidate HCI

Newer type of slow release stimulant medication, used to treat ADHD. Compared to most other medications for ADHD, this medication only has to be taken once a day.

Oxycodone

A semi-synthetic morphine derivative used as a pain reliever or analgesic. A narcotic alkaloid related to codeine, used as an analgesic and a sedative chiefly in the form of its hydrochloride salt.

P

Papaver somniferum

Latin name for the opium poppy.

Paracetamol

Pain killer similar to aspirin. Paracetamol or acetaminophen (US), is a common analgesic and antipyretic (qv) drug that is used for the relief of fever, headaches, and other minor aches and pains. Paracetamol is also useful in managing more severe pain, allowing lower dosages of additional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or opioid analgesics to be used, so minimising overall side-effects. It is a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu medications and many prescription analgesics. It is remarkably safe in recommended doses, but because of its wide availability, deliberate or accidental overdoses are fairly common.

Paranoia

A psychotic disorder characterized by delusions of persecution with or without grandeur, often strenuously defended with apparent logic and reason. An irrational fear, suspicion, or distrust of others. Paranoia is often seen in people who suffer from psychosis and in schizophrenic patients.

Paranoid-type symptoms

Experienced by about one third of schizophrenia patients. Delusions or irrational beliefs of being persecuted, harassed, being cheated, being ridiculed behind one’s back, spied upon or conspired against.

Paroxetine

An oral antidepressant of the SSRI class of drugs. Paroxetine or paroxetine hydrochloride is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It was released in 1992 by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline and has since become one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market due to its efficacy in treating depression as well as a spectrum of anxiety disorders ranging from panic attacks to phobias. Paroxetine has been linked to suicidal ideation and attempts, particularly in children and young adults. It also has a demonstrated withdrawal syndrome, in which some users experience dizziness, electric shock-like sensations, and gastro-intestinal upset. Pregnant women are advised to seek medical advice before taking this drug.

Performance phobia

Form of social phobia which brings on fear of performing in public, performing for your peers or being judged on your performance at work.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

A PET scan produces an image of the body, then computes specifications of tumours for precise diagnoses. PET scans are especially useful in taking images of the brain, although they are becoming more widely used to find the spread of cancer of the breast, colon, rectum, ovary, or lung. PET scans may also be used to see how well a tumour is responding to treatment. Alternative methods of scanning include x-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI), ultrasound and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Pethidine

Pain-relieving drug, which is related to morphine and used during labour. It is usually given as an injection into the thigh. It can cause drowsiness, dizziness and nausea.

Peyote cactus

Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) is a small spineless cactus whose native region extends from the south-western United States through central Mexico. Peyote contains a large spectrum of phenethylamine alkaloids, the principal of which is mescaline (qv).

Phencyclidine

A piperidine derivative used as a veterinary anaesthetic and sometimes illicitly as a psychedelic drug to induce vivid mental imagery. Also known as angel dust (slang), PCP .

Pimozide

The most commonly used diphenylbutyl piperidine. An antipsychotic drug, C28H29F2N3O, used in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia and in the management of Tourette's syndrome. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.

Poppers

Amyl nitrates (slang).

Positive symptoms

Psychological symptoms that result directly from a mental disorder, observed only in people who suffer from a mental illness. Often used in relation to schizophrenia. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include: hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking and agitation.

Post-natal depression

A form of depression ranging from mild to severe experienced by some of women after given birth.

Pot

Cannabis (slang).

Problem disability

A disability that is mainly caused by mental disorder or mental state.

Progesterone

Female hormone secreted by the ovaries that affects many parts of the female body, including menstrual cycles and pregnancy.

Prognosis

The likelihood of survival and recovery from a disease as anticipated from the usual course of that disease and proposed treatments.

Psychosis

Mental state involving hallucinations (disturbances of perception) and/or delusions (false yet strongly held personal beliefs that result from an inability to separate real from unreal experiences).

Psychotherapist

Person who is qualified to treat mental disorders or provide psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy

Therapy used to treat mental disorders. This may include cognitive behaviour therapy or the prescription of medication.

Psychotic episode

Period where a patient experiences a state of psychosis. Onset of psychotic symptoms such as: hallucinations, delusions, agitation, apathy… These episodes are often acute and very disturbing for beloved ones. Medication can bring these episodes under control. They will reoccur if a patients stops taking medication.

Psychotic symptom

Symptoms of psychosis or the mental state involving hallucinations (disturbances of perception) and/or delusions (false yet strongly held personal beliefs that result from an inability to separate real from unreal experiences).

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

A psychological disorder affecting individuals who have experienced or witnessed profoundly traumatic events, such as fatal accidents, torture, murder, rape, or wartime combat, characterized by recurrent flashbacks of the traumatic event, nightmares, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, forgetfulness, and social withdrawal.

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R

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

Form of bipolar disorder in which the sequences of episodes occur more frequently and more than four times a year. A person with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder experiences four or more distinct episodes of mania, depression or mixed state (a state where symptoms of depression and mania occur together).

Regression (autism)

The term regression, used with regards to autism, refers to a regression or turning back in a child’s developmental age. Regression is often the first explicit sign that a child may have autism.

Rehabilitation

A programme of treatment with the purpose of enabling patients to live as much of a normal live as possible or take part in normal activities and exercise. Rehabilitation may include a variety of medication and non-medicinal treatment. Where necessary programmes incorporate social and vocational training to help patients and former patients overcome difficulties in these areas.

Relapse

Resurfacing of symptoms as a result of stopping medication.

Remission

Period during which symptoms of a disease diminish or disappear.

Respiratory failure

Respiratory failure is a syndrome in which the respiratory system fails in one or both of its gas exchange functions: oxygenation or taking in of oxygen, and carbon dioxide elimination.

Risperidone

Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An antipsychotic drug noted for its affinity for certain serotonin, dopamine, alpha-adrenergic, and histamine receptors in the brain. A newer type of medication, classified as an atypical antipsychotic or unconventional neuroleptic. Newer agents tend to have fewer side effects. A long-acting version of this medication is also available.

S

SAD

(See seasonal affective disorder)

Schizoaffective disorder

A mental disorder in which a major depressive episode, manic episode, or mixed episode occurs along with prominent psychotic symptoms characteristic of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia

A group of psychotic disorders usually characterised by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations, and accompanied in varying degrees by other emotional, behavioural, or intellectual disturbances. Schizophrenia is associated with dopamine imbalances in the brain and defects of the frontal lobe and is caused by genetic, biological and psychosocial factors.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

A mood disorder with an observable seasonal pattern. People with SAD tend to become depressed during the winter months, when there are fewer hours of sunlight. This type of depression tends to be more common in Nordic countries as it is often associated with long and dark winters. The absence of natural daylight is believed to play a significant role.

Seizure

Seizures occur when part(s) of the brain receives a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupts normal electrical brain function.

Sensitisation

The development of bipolar disorder is triggered by stressful events and that every episode causes changes in the structure of the brain, which ultimately results in spontaneous episodes. Also referred to as kindling, the electrophysiological changes that occur in the brain as a result of repeated intermittent exposure to a sub threshold electrical or chemical stimulus (as one causing seizures) so that there develops a usually permanent decrease in the threshold of excitability.

Serotonin

One of the neurotransmitters used by the nerve cells in the brain. Together with dopamine, this neurotransmitter is believed to play a part in schizophrenia.

Sertraline

Medication that affects the action of the neurotransmitters in the brain. Used in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders.

Severe depression

Clinical depression with long-lasting episodes of low mood.

Side effect

Term used to describe an unwanted effect of a medicine. Most side effects are totally harmless and tend to disappear quickly. In some medications, the side effects can be more severe and long lasting and require monitoring by a doctor.

Skunk

Cannabis (slang).

Sleeping pills

A sedative or hypnotic drug, especially a barbiturate, (in the form of a pill or capsule) used to relieve insomnia.

Snow

Cocaine (slang).

Social phobia

Type of phobia that is characterized by an extreme fear of social situations and contact.

Specific phobia

Type of phobia characterized by extreme fear of an object or situation that is not harmful under general conditions.

Speed

Amphetamines (slang).

SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

A class of drugs, such as fluoxetine or sertraline, that inhibit the uptake of serotonin by neurons of the central nervous system and are primarily used in the treatment of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Stroke

A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel to the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, diminution or loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain.

Substance abuse/misuse

The misuse or excessive use of substances such as drugs, chemicals, alcohol, tobacco and stimulants.

Suicide

Taking one’s own life. In people with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, some anxiety disorders and manic depression the risk of suicide is significantly increased.

Sulphate

Amphetamines (slang).

Sulpiride

Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic, also used as an anti-emetic.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system activates what is often termed the fight or flight response. This response is also known as sympathetic-adrenal response of the body, as the pre-ganglionic sympathetic fibres that end in the adrenal medulla (but also all other sympathetic fibres) secrete acetylcholine, which activates the secretion of adrenaline (epinephrine) and to a lesser extent Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) from it. Therefore, this response that acts primarily on the cardiovascular system is mediated directly via impulses transmitted through the sympathetic nervous system and indirectly via catecholamines secreted from the adrenal medulla. (source Wikipedia)

Sympathomimetic Agent

An agent producing physiological effects resembling those caused by the activity or stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Symptom

A sign or an indication of disorder or disease, especially when experienced by an individual as a change from normal function, sensation, or appearance.

Synthetic

Something that is not of natural origin; prepared or made artificially, e.g. anaesthetic medication produced from synthetic compounds.

T

Tab

LSD (slang)

Tardive dyskinesia (TD)

Disorder characterised by involuntary movements of the mouth, lips, tongue and sometimes the trunk or other body parts, such as arms and legs. This is often seen as a side effect of antipsychotic medication, especially in older or typical antipsychotic agents. (Tardive - having symptoms that develop slowly or appear long after inception).

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Manual that contains the criteria developed by the American Psychiatry Association and used throughout the world to classify mental disorders. Current classification in use is DSM-IV.

Thinking disorder

A disorder that affects people’s ability to think normally. This can often be an associated symptom in other mental disorders such as: schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Thioridazine

An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic. A white or yellow powder, a derivative of phenothiazine, which is used orally as a tranquilizer to treat various psychotic conditions, including schizophrenia.

Thought disorder

Disorganised thinking observed in people with schizophrenia that stops them from connecting thoughts into logical sequences.

Thyroid dysfunction

Malfunctioning of thyroid that can result in over-functioning and insufficient functioning of the thyroid.

Tolerance

The capacity to absorb a drug continuously or in large doses without adverse effect; diminution in the response to a drug after prolonged use.

Toluene

Type of solvent, used in solvent abuse.

Tourette’s Syndrome

A neurological disorder characterized by tics or repeated involuntary, rapid, sudden movements and/or vocalisations.

Tranquilisers

Opposite of stimulants. Drugs that sedate or reduce activity.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply. Symptoms vary widely from person to person depending on the area of the brain involved. The most frequent symptoms include temporary loss of vision, difficulty speaking (dysphasia), weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis), numbness usually on one side of the body, and loss of consciousness. If there are neurological symptoms persisting for more than 24 hours, it is classified as a cerebrovascular accident or stroke (qv).

Tremors

Type of shaking, can be an associated side-effect of antipsychotic medication.

Trichloroethylene

Type of solvent.

Tri-cyclic antidepressants (TCA’s)

Older type of antidepressant used to treat depression. This type of agent has considerable side effects and tends no longer to be used, unless the patient has been taking the medication for a long time or other medication is not beneficial.

Trip

(Slang) The effect of taking drugs, also referred to as a high.

Typical antipsychotic

Older type of medication or agent used to treat mental disorders and psychosis. Also called classic neuroleptic. The newer type of antipsychotics is called atypical antipsychotics or atypical neuroleptics.

Tyramine

Amino acid derived from tyrosine; has a sympathomimetic action; found in chocolate and cola drinks and ripe cheese and beer; "patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) should avoid foods containing tyramine." Proteins change in the body into amino acids.

U

Uppers

A drug, especially an amphetamine, used as a stimulant

V

Vasodilator

A drug that causes dilation of blood vessels.

Venlafaxine

An oral antidepressant thought to inhibit neuronal uptake of serotonin, Norepinephrine, and dopamine in the central nervous system. It is structurally unrelated to other antidepressants.

Ventricles

A small cavity or chamber within a body or organ, especially (a) the chamber on the left side of the heart that receives arterial blood from the left atrium and contracts to force it into the aorta, (b) the chamber on the right side of the heart that receives venous blood from the right atrium and forces it into the pulmonary artery, (c) any of the interconnecting cavities of the brain.

W

Weed

Cannabis (slang).

Weight gain

A possible side effect of some medications. Weight gain can be seen in people who take medication for psychosis i.e. typical or atypical antipsychotics. In atypical antipsychotics or the newer antipsychotics, this side effect tends to be less severe than in the older antipsychotic agents.

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