Psychiatry

Glossary of Terms – A

To view this glossary simply click on the corresponding letter below.

Please note – this is not an exhaustive list, but includes some fo the terminology commonly used in the assessment and treatment of mental illness. The terms in this glossary were derived from the medical glossary of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and are used with the Centre's permission

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Absolute discharge : A person is no longer subject to the authority of the Ontario Review Board (ORB). The person is free to live where he or she likes within the limits of the law.

Active phase of schizophrenia – short, intense episodes of the illness in which most of its severe symptoms are manifest.

ADHD – See Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Adjunct medication – medicine that complements a main medication.

Agitation – a severe inner restlessness that is often accompanied by anxiety. Patients typically cannot sit still; they may pace and wring their hands.

Agoraphobia – The fear of being in public places. People suffering from agoraphobia avoid normal activities that involve crowds, as exposure to these activities may cause panic. See phobia and panic.

Agranulocytosis – failure of the bone marrow to produce white blood cells that fight infection; agranulocytosis is a possible adverse effect of the anti– psychotic drug clozapine.

Alcoholism – a disease characterized by the chronic consumption of alcoholic beverages despite negative social and physical consequences

Alzheimer's – see Dementia

Ambivalence – simultaneously experiencing opposing or conflicting emotions, attitudes, ideas or wishes toward a person or situation.

Amphetamine – A central nervous system stimulant used to treat narcolepsy and certain types of depression. Large doses are toxic, and prolonged use may lead to dependence.

Anhedonia – The inability to feel pleasure or happiness from experiences or events that have ordinarily been pleasurable. A possible side effect of antipsychotic medication.

Anxiety – a combination of mental and physical symptoms that accompany a perceived or real threat. Symptoms include changes in blood pressure, sweating, a feeling of dread or panic and agitation.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – a mental disorder in children characterized by hyperactivity, poor impulse control, forgetfulness and inattention

Anti– anxiety medication – a medication used to treat anxiety. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or clonazepam (Rivotril®), and some antidepressants.

Anticholinergic effects – a group of common side– effects of the older group of antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, Nardil), including dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating and blurry vision.

Antidepressant medication – A class of drugs that are used to treat depression. The efficacy of most antidepressants has been linked to their ability to increase concentrations of the neurotransmitters serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the brain. Link to SSRI

Antipsychotic medication – – medications used in the treatment of schizophrenia. . These agents block the action of dopamine in the brain. They can also be used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and prevent new attacks of mania.

Anxiety – an emotional state characterized by excessive worry, apprehension or fear of impending actual or imagined danger, vulnerability or uncertainty. In a more acute form it can include intense fear and discomfort, with symptoms such as a pounding heart, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and fear of losing control.

Anxiety disorders – A group of psychiatric disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive– compulsive disorders, and anxiety neurosis that are characterized by excessive anxiety.

Anxiety neurosis – A mental disorder not restricted to specific situations or objects, often associated with other symptoms such as chest pain, constriction of the throat, or cold, sweaty extremities. This is separate from normal anxiety, which occurs in realistically threatening situations.

Anxiolytics – medications used to reduce severe anxiety, tension and agitation. Previously known as minor tranquilizers.

Atypical depression – a type of major depression in which the person has mood reactivity and can be cheered up by positive events and has at least two of the following: increased appetite or weight gain; increased sleep; leaden paralysis and feels easily rejected.

Augmentation – the addition of a different medication to boost the effect of the primary medication.

Autism – a disorder which usually appears in early childhood and may result in learning difficulties, speech problems and difficulty relating to people.

[Back to top]
[Back to Glossary homepage]