Depression Dictionary

absenteeism: A pattern of not showing up to obligations.

acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter (a chemical substance that transmits nerve impulses from the brain to the body's muscles) thought to be associated with learning.

addiction: A physical, emotional or psychological craving and dependence on any substance that is harmful to your health, such as illegal drugs, alcohol, eating, etc.

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A psychological disorder in which a person can't focus for extended periods of time. Those suffering from ADHD tend to by hyperactive, impulsive and easily distracted.

adrenaline: Also known as epinephrine, adrenaline is a hormone responsible for increasing heart rate, narrowing blood vessels and dilating airways. Prepares the body for dangers or stress.

affect: An emotional state that has an associated noticeable behavior.

affective disorder: A set of psychological disorders that affects a person's mood and that has associated behavioral ticks. Depression and bipolar disorder are among some of the disorders considered to be affective disorders.

alexithymia: A psychological disorder in which a person suffers from the inability to describe and/or cope with his feelings. Alexithymia is generally associated with confusion, increased incidence of fantasies and a deficit of realistic thinking.

alprazolam: As a generic form of Xanax®, alprazolam is a medication prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks and minor depression.

amitriptyline: The generic name of tricyclic depression medication that is sold under the brands of Tryptanol®, Elavil® and Endep®.

anesthesia: A lack of sensation as the result of drug or substance use.While anesthesia may be associated with abuse of illegal substances, it is also related to the use of legal substances for surgery, etc.

anhedonia: The inability to feel pleasure in normally enjoyable situations. Anhedonia is correlated with depression.

anorgasmia: As a form of sexual dysfunction, anorgasmia is a psychological disorder in which a person can't experience orgasm. Women are affected by anorgasmia at much higher rates than men.

antidepressant: A set of drugs prescribed to treat depression and, in some cases, headaches.

antipsychotic: A set of drugs prescribed to treat psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, manic depression and bipolar disorder.

anxiety: As a psychological disorder, anxiety disorder is a condition in which a person suffers from fearful, nervous and apprehensive sentiments that correspond with physical sensations, including heart palpitations, shortness of breath and/or pain in the abdominal region. Anxiety disorder may be due to physical or psychiatric problems.

anxiogenic: Refers to a substance that triggers anxiety. Common anxiogenics include caffeine, carbon dioxide and adrenergic agents.

aromatherapy: The practice of using essential oils and/or incense derived from herbs, plants and/or flowers to heal and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

automatic negative thought (ANT): A condition in which a person suffers from the uncontrollable drive to think negative, depressing and self-destructive thoughts.

baby blue: As a less serious form of post partum depression, the baby blues are a condition in which women who have recently given birth feel depressed, overwhelmed, scared and/or unappreciated.

biofeedback: A manner of treating headaches, blood pressure, muscle tension and heart rate that involves the use of voluntary control and a special machine that emanates an electronic feedback.

bipolar disorder: A psychological disorder in which a person suffers from severe mood swings that range from depression (intense sadness) to ecstatic mania (complete euphoria).

chronic pain: Unremitting, relentless pain that continues to plague someone despite the healing of an injury.

clinical trial: A research study in which people volunteer to test a new treatment, method of diagnosis and/or manner of screening a disease or illness.

Cymbalta®: A brand name drug that is used to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or depressive disorders.

delirium: A state of intense craze in which a person suffers from confusion, agitation, disordered speech and/or hallucinations.

dementia: A chronic, measurable deterioration of the mind and memory that is marked by personality changes.

dependence: A form of addiction in which a person is physically and psychologically reliant on a substance.

depressants: A group of drugs that slows down and relaxes bodily functions and responses to treat anxiety and insomnia.

depression: A psychological disorder in which a person suffers from intense sadness and feelings of emptiness. A depressed person often loses interest in people and things he once enjoyed.

diabetes: A chronic disease in which a person's body lacks the ability to produce insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. While Type 1 diabetes is a form of the disease that is present at birth, Type 2 diabetes (also known as adult-onset diabetes) is a form that people develop.

dopamine: A neurotransmitter that affects mood, energy, sexual desire and motor coordination.

dysthymia: A less severe case of depression that persists for more than two years.

Effexor®: A brand name for venlafaxine hydrochloride that is produced by Wyeth. A form of antidepressant medication.

Elavil®: A brand name for a type of tricyclic antidepressant medication that has serious associated side effects.

electroconvulsive therapy: A method of treating various psychotic disorders via the use of electric shocks to induce seizures.

empathy: A sentiment marked by an understanding of and identification with another's feelings.

endorphins: Hormone-like proteins that work like opiates to block the sensation of pain and promote better mood.

escape: The act of withdrawing to avoid uncomfortable or frightening situations.