Depression Dictionary

pharmacogenetics: The study of the effectiveness of drugs in regards to individual traits and genetic make up.

placebo: An inactive, harmless pill (generally made of sugar) that has no health effects. Also known as sugar pills, placebos are used in research studies and clinical trials as a point of comparison against which to gauge the effectiveness of some new treatment, therapy or medication.

postpartum depression: A type of depression associated with the changes of a new mom's physical and emotional state right after she has given birth. About 10 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression.

postpartum psychosis: The most extreme, dangerous form of postpartum depression that is characterized by the presence of delusions and hallucinations. Postpartum psychosis is also known as puerperal psychosis.

Prozac®: A brand name drug that is an SSRI (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) anti-depressant used to treat obsessive compulsive behavior, bulimia and depression.

psychiatrist: A licensed doctor who is trained to diagnosis, evaluate and treat various psychological disorders. While psychiatrists provide counseling and are authorized to prescribe medication, psychologists are licensed only to counsel patients.

psychoactive drugs: Any substances that disrupt normal brain function, alter mood, affect consciousness and change behavior. Psychoactive drugs have been used for medicinal, recreational and spiritual purposes.

psychologist: A trained specialist who can diagnosis, evaluate and treat various mental disorders but who cannot prescribe medication to his patients.

psychosis: A mental illness defined by a dissociation with reality, personality changes and an inability to normally function in society.

psychosomatic: Refers to the way in which the mind influences and affects bodily functions and physical health. Psychosomatic disorders describe those in which emotions trigger the manifestation of physical symptoms.

psychotherapist: A type of therapist who specifically diagnosis, treats (without prescribing drugs) and counsels those suffering from mental and emotional disorders.

psychotherapy: The practice of diagnosing, counseling and treating (without prescribing drugs) those suffering from mental and emotional disorders.

resilience: The ability of a being or system to recover from a disturbance and resume normal functioning.

reuptake: The process in which excess neurotransmitters are swept back into the axons (a type of nerve cell) that originally released them.

seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A mood-related disorder associated with the changes in seasons. SAD is most common in the winter months because the days are shorter and there is less sunlight.

schizophrenia: A mental disorder marked by hallucinations, delusions, a dissociation from reality, distorted speech and apathy.

serotonin: A neurotransmitter that affects mood, perception and appetite.

Serzone®: The brand name for nafezodone, a type of anti-depressant.

short-term memory: A type of memory that is structured to store a small amount of information for a short amount of time for immediate access. Short-term memory is also referred to as working, primary or active memory.

side effects: Secondary problems associated with the use of medication.

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI): SSRI anti-depressants refer to a group of drugs used to treat depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive behavior, etc. Common SSRI anti-depressants include Prozac®, Paxil® and Zoloft®.

stimulants: Drugs that enhance the sympathetic nervous system's ability to elevate mood, increase endurance and suppress appetite. While common stimulants include caffeine and nicotine, illegal stimulants include cocaine and amphetamines.

stress: Pressure and strain on a being or system that can be either physical or emotional in nature.

substance abuse: The misuse of a substance due to excessive ingestion of it. Substance abuse can include the excessive ingestion of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, narcotics, food, etc.

synapse: The space between neurons through which electric impulses travel to trigger or suppress bodily functions or reactions.