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Glossary
abuse
When talking about substance abuse or misuse, refers to improper or excessive use.
acid
Slang name for LSD
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….
adrenaline
One of two chemicals (the other is 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.
adulterants
Adulterants tend to be common household products and are often placed in a sample in an effort to mask the trace of drugs in the urine. They are also often added to drugs such as heroine to decrease its purity.
affective symptoms
Negative or mood symptoms of schizophrenia.
agent
Medication or type of medication
agent
Other name to describe medication.
agoraphobia
Widely misunderstood as a fear of big or open spaces. Agoraphobia is the result from an internal anxiety condition. This has become so intense that the person with agoraphobia fears going to places or facing situations where these feelings of panic have occurred before
agranulocytosis
Loss of a certain type of white blood cells. This is one of the side effects seen in the use of the drug clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic.
alcohol abuse
Misuses or excessive use of alcohol that either leads to addiction or feeds an alcohol addiction.
alcoholic
Person who is addicted to alcohol.
alcoholism
Term to describe the addiction to alcohol.
alprazolam
A benzodiazepan. 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.
Alzheimer disease
Progressive, degenerative disease that occurs in the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behaviour. Alzheimer disease is the most common for of dementia. Although it tends to occur in elderly people, Alzheimer disease can strike earlier in live e.g. during forties.
amino acid tyramine
Proteins change in the body into amino acids. Tyramine is an amino acid that is derived from tyrosine, which is found in beer, chocolate, coca cola…
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
Also often called poppers, because amyl or butyl nitrate comes in a bottle or in small glass 'vials' which are popped open. Medically the drug has been mainly used to treat angina; today this is only done in emergency cases.
anaemia
Deficiency of red blood cells. This affects the blood cells' oxygen-carrying ability, causing unusual tiredness and other symptoms. Also often described as iron deficiency.
anaesthetic
Agent used to numb part of the body (local anaesthetic) or put a person to sleep (general anaesthetic) for an operation or medical intervention. Certain types of substances can have anaesthetic-like effects, such as inhalants.
analgesics
Pain killers or pain sedating medication.
angel dust
Phencyclidine. Hallucogenic drug
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. Often mood stabilizing anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
antidepressants
Drugs to treat depression
anti-epileptic drugs
Medication to treat epilepsy. Some anti-epileptics are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
antihistamines
Drug that blocks histamine and is typically used to treat allergic reactions.
antipsychotic
A class of drugs mainly used to treat schizophrenic, paranoid, schizoaffective and other psychotic disorders, acute delirium and dementia and manic episodes.
antipsychotic drug
Antipsychotic medication e.g. typical or atypical antipsychotics.
antipsychotic medication
Drugs to treat psychosis. These include atypical or typical antipsychotics.
anxiolitics
Drugs to treat anxiety
arrhythmia
Irregular heart beat. Arrhythmia can be a side effect of some medications, but is also a known medical condition.
Asperger syndrome
Mild form of autism, often described as High Functioning Autism. Individuals with Asperger syndrome tend to have normal intelligence and language skills, but tend to 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
Also known as 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.
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's syndrome) to severely affected, low functioning and nonverbal autism.
autistic spectrum disorder - ASD
Also known as autism. Life-long developmental disorder that emerges in first three years. It affects the development of social, communication and imagination skills.
barbiturates
Drugs that act as central nervous system or 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). 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.
billy whizz
Slang to describe amphetamines
bipolar disorder
Also known as manic depression. Symptoms are abnormal and extreme moods. Mood swings will vary from severe depression to a state of euphoria or mania.
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 cyclthymic disorder.
black beauties
Slang to describe prescription amphetamines
black bombers
Slang to describe prescription amphetamines
black 'n whites
Slang to describe prescription amphetamines
blotter
Slang for LSD
blow
Slang for cannabis.
blues
Slang to describe prescription amphetamines
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
Type of anti-anxiety medication.
butyl nitrates
Also often called poppers, because amyl or butyl nitrate comes in a bottle or in small glass 'vials' which are popped open. Medically the drug has been mainly used to treat angina; today this is only done in emergency cases.
C
Slang for cocaine, also known as Charlie, snow or coke.
cannabis
Product of the hemp plant. Available in the form of resin, i.e. hashish or dried leaves, i.e. marihuana.
cannabis sativa
Cannabis or hemp plant.
CAT or computer-assisted tomography
The process 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
Slang for cocaine, also known as C, snow or coke.
chlorpramazine
Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.
chlorpromazine
Typical antipsychotic.
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.
clomipramine
Belongs to tricyclic antidepressant class of medicines. Used in the treatment of depression.
clozapine
Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An newer type of medication, also classified as an atypical antipsychotic or unconventional neuroleptic. Newer agents tend to have less side effects.
cocaine
Powerful stimulant, derived from the coca tree in South America. Initially used as an anaesthetic for minor, but no longer used as a medical application. This drug has a severe addictive effect and is often classed as a 'hard drug'.
cocaine hydrochloride
Cocaine is generally sold on the street as cocaine hydrochloride - a fine, white crystalline powder, soluble in water, known by slang names such as coke, C, Charlie etc.
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 more realistic substitute 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 more realistic substitute ideas.
coke
Slang for cocaine.
coma, comatose
A sleep-like state in which a person or animal is not conscious
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. Can 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, can not be solved in water.
cross taper
slowly introduce the dose of a newly prescribed drug, whilst reducing the dose of the drug the patient is already taking. However, in some cases patients take a combination of the new and the old drug.
cross tapering
slowing introducing the dose of a newly prescribed drug, whilst reducing the dose of the drug the patient is already taking. Usually the old drug will be phased out. However, in some cases patients take a combination of the new and the old drug.
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.
delusions
Irrational believes or convictions a person with psychosis (often schizophrenia) holds on to, despite all evidence to the contrary. They are one of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
delusions de grandeur
Delusions that make a person believe that s/he is famous or an important person.
delusions of grandeur
Delusion, often seen in schizophrenia patients, making the person believe that s/he is famous or an important personality.
depressant
Medication to relieve depression and also used to treat sleep problems.
dextroamphetamine sulface
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: EPS or extrapyramidal symptoms, 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
One of the neurotransmitters used by the nerve cells in the brain. Together with serotonin, this neurotransmitter is believed to play a part in schizophrenia.
dope
Slang name for cannabis.
double depression
Condition where people with dysthemia 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 dysthemia. Hence the use of the word double.
draw
Slang name for cannabis.
drop
Slang name for LSD.
droperidol
Medication 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 throughout the world to classify mental disorders. Current classification in use is DSM-IV.
dysthemia
Chronic less severe form of depression. Also known as dysthemic disorder.
dysthemia
Other 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.
dysthemic disorder
Also known as dysthymia. Chronic milder form of depression.
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.
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
Ecstasy (MMDA) is a man-made drug with both hallucogenic and amphetamine-like properties.
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Also known as electro shock. These days this form of therapy is only used in people with severe mental disorders who do not respond to medication.
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Also called electroshock therapy (popular language). Sometimes used to treat mental disorders such as severe depression or mixed mania, when patients don't respond to other therapies.
epilepsy
Tendency for repeated seizures that start in the brain.
episode
Period of mental illness or state during which the patients experiences the distinct symptoms of the state or the illness in question.
EPS or extrapyramidal symptoms
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
family psycho-education
Programme that helps relatives (and in some cases friends) look after a patient with mental illness or psychosis at home or outside the hospital environment.
fast
Slang for amphetamine.
fluoxetine
Drug used for the treatment of depression and OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, and other anxiety disorders.
fluphenazine
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.
ganja
Slang name for pot.
general anxiety disorder (GAD)
Persistent and unrealistic worry becoming part os someone's response to most situations.
glaucoma
Name of a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged to a point that it leaves the eye. The condition is often the result of increased pressure in the eyeball. If untreated, glaucoma leads to blindness.
grass
Slang for cannabis.
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 cause hallucinations.
haloperidol
Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.
haloperidol
Typical or conventional antipsychotic, used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders. The drug is also used to treat Tourette's syndrome and in some cases is used to treat other illnesses.
hash/hashish
Slang for cannabis.
heart failure
A degenerative condition that occurs 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 B
Viral liver disease that may be acute or chronic, and can be life-threatening. 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. 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.
herb
Slang for cannabis.
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.
HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus that causes Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
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.
inhalants
Ordinary household products inhaled especially by children to get high e.g. glue sniffing.
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
Injection directly in the vein.
kindling
Also called sensitisation. It is believed that bipolar disorder is triggered or kindled by stressful events and that every episode causes changes in the structure of the brain, which ultimately results in spontaneous episodes.
LAI or Long-acting injectable
Injectable medication that has a long-lasting slow release action.
lithium
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.
locker room
Slang for nitrates
lorazepam
A benzodiazepan. Medication or therapeutic agent used in high strength forms such as clonazepam and alprazolam to treat a number of symptoms in bipolar disorder, especially sleep problems.
LSD
Powerful hallucogenic. 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
Slang for LSD.
magic mushrooms
Hallucogenic, natural drug.
major depression
Type of severe clinical depression.
mania
Medical condition characterised by severely elevated 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, 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. Ecstacy.
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.
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.
methylphenate
Newer type of stimulant medication, used to treat ADHD.
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 (MAOIs)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
nefadozone
Newer type of antidepressant used to treat depression. This medication has less severe side effects that the older type of antidepressant agents.
negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Also called affective symptoms or mood symptoms.
neoron
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 antipyschotics.
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 medication to treat conditions such as angina by causing blood vessels to dilate and stimulate blood flow. Stimulant.
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. Noradrenaline plays a significant part in depression.
obsession
Persistent thoughts that can't be controlled. Obsessions play a significant role in OCD.
obsessive-compulsive disorder
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 handwashing and wiping doorhandles whenever someone has opened or closed a door.
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder. 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 handwashing and wiping doorhandles 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. An newer type of medication, also classified as an atypical antipsychotic or unconventional neuroleptic. Newer agents tend to have less 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.
opium poppies
Flowers from which opium is derived.
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.
palfium
Opioid used in some cases to treat severe pain.
papaver somniferum
Latin name for the opium poppy.
paracetemol
Pain killer similar to aspirin.
paranoia
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
Antidepressant medication.
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…
PET (positron emission tomography)
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.
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
Cactus from which mescaline is derived.
phencyclidine
Angel dust. Hallucogenic drug.
physeptone
Medicine that contains methadone. Used to suppress the addictive effects of opioids.
pimozide
Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.
poppers
Slang for nitrates.
positive symptoms
Psychological features or symptoms that result directly from a mental disorder and that are not observed in people who don't suffer from a mental illness. The term is often used in relation to schizophrenia and positive symptoms of schizophrenia include: hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, agitation….
post-natal depression
Severe form of depression experienced by a number of women after given birth.
pot
Slang for cannabis.
problem disability
A disability that is mainly caused by mental disorder or mental state.
progesterone
Female a hormone that is secreted by the ovaries which affects many aspects of the female body, including menstrual cycles and pregnancy.
psilocybin
Magic mushroom.
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 often includes treatment using medication and other forms of treatment such as: cognitive behaviour therapy.
psychotic episode
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 episode
Period where a patient experiences a state of psychosis
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).
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder
ram
slang for nitrate
rapid cycling bipolar disorder
Form of bipolar disorder in which the sequences of episodes occur more frequently and more than four times a year.
rapid-cycling bipolar disorder
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
Treatment programme aimed to enable patients to live as much of a normal live as possible or engage in normal live activities and exercise.
rehabilitation
Rehabilitation includes a wide variety of medication and non-medication treatment programmes emphasise 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 newer type of medication, also classified as an atypical antipsychotic or unconventional neuroleptic. Newer agents tend to have less side effects. A long-acting version of this medication is also available.
rock
Slang for crack cocaine
rush
Slang for nitrates. Or condition to indicate the effect of certain types of drugs.
SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
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.
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
Mental disorder in which the person suffers from distorted thinking, hallucinations, and a reduced ability to feel normal emotions.
seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Mood disorder with a seasonal pattern. People with SAD tend to become depressed during the winter months, when there are fewer hours of sunlight.
seizure
Seizures occur when part(s) of the brain receives a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupts normal electrical brain function.
sensitisation
Also called kindling. It is believed that the development of bipolar disorder is triggered or kindled by stressful events and that every episode causes changes in the structure of the brain, which ultimately results in spontaneous episodes.
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
Drug to used depression and anxiety disorders.
setraline
Medication that affects the action of the neurotransmitters in the brain. Used in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders.
severe depression
Also called major depression. Form of clinical depression with long-lasting episodes of low mood.
side effect
Term used to describe an unwanted effect of a medicine. Most side effect 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 the doctor.
skunk
Slang for cannabis.
sleeping pills
Medication that helps people sleep.
snow
Slang for cocaine
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
Slang name for amphetamines
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Newer type of medication or agent involved in the treatment of depression and depressive state in bipolar disorder.
stone
Slang for crack cocaine.
substance abuse
Also known as substance misuse. Refers to the misuse or excessive use of substances such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco…
suicide
Taking one's own life. In people with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, some anxiety disorder, manic depression... the risk of suicide is significantly increased. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional if you suspect a relative or friend with mental illness is thinking of committing suicide.
sulphate
Slang name for amphetamines
sulpiride
Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.
symptom
An indication of the presence of a disorder or an illness.
synthetic anaesthetics
Anaesthetic medication produced from synthetic compounds vs natural compounds such as opioids.
tab
Slang for LSD.
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.
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
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
Medication used in schizophrenia treatment. An older type of medication, also classified as a typical antipsychotic or conventional neuroleptic.
thought disorder
Disorganised thinking observed in people with schizophrenia that stops them from connecting thoughts into logical sequences.
thrust
Slang for nitrates.
thyroid dysfunction
Malfunctioning of thyroid that can result in over-functioning and insufficient functioning of the thyroid.
tolerance
Increasingly large quantities of a drug needing to be used to achieve the same effect.
toluene
Type of solvent, used in solvent abuse.
Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by tics or repeated involuntary, rapid, sudden movements and/or vocalizations.
tranquilisers
Opposite of stimulants. Drugs that sedate or reduce activity.
tremors
Type of shaking, can be an associated side-effect of antipsychotic medication.
trichloroethylene
Type of solvent.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
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 for the effects 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.
uppers
Slang name for amphetamines
venlafaxine
Newer type of antidepressant
ventricles
cavities in the brain. In people with schizophrenia these are often enlarged and are believed to play a contributing factor to the illness.
wash
Slang for crack cocaine
weed
Slang for cannabis.
weight gain
Can be a 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.
white matter
Nerve tissue that is paler in colour than grey matter because it contains nerve fibres with large amounts of insulating material (myelin). The white matter does not contain nerve cells. In the brain, the white matter lies within the gray layer of the cerebral cortex (or the shell of the cerebral hemispheres).
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