A
agoraphobia
Fear of being in public places.Alzheimer’s disease
A progressive neurological disease marked by deficits in cognition, especially in memory.
antidepressant
A drug used to treat depression.
atypical depression
A type of depression in which a person does not experience sadness or some of the other symptoms normally associated with the disorder.
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B
behavioral therapy
A form of psychotherapy that involves training in social skills, problem solving, scheduling of activities, and self-control. The emphasis is on day-to-day improvements in behavior.
benzodiazepines
A class of drugs used to relieve anxiety.
beta-blockers
A class of drugs used to treat angina, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and migraine. Chronic use of these drugs may cause depression; they are sometimes used in combination with antidepressants or to treat performance anxiety.
bipolar disorder
A mood disorder with episodes of both depression and mania; it is also known as manic depression.
breakthrough depression
A depressive episode that occurs in someone with bipolar disorder or major depression who has been doing reasonably well with long-term treatment.
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C
cognition
Mental abilities such as memory, attention, learning, awareness, and judgment.
cognitive therapy
A form of psychotherapy designed to reverse a person’s belief that exaggerated weaknesses and inadequacies doom him or her to failure.
compulsion
Ritualistic, repetitive, and purposeful behavior that is performed according to certain rules or stereotypical patterns.
crisis intervention
See interpersonal therapy.
Cushing’s disease
A medical condition caused by an overproduction of the steroid hormone cortisol by the adrenal gland.
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D
deep brain stimulation (DBS)
A procedure in which an electrical stimulator (a pacemaker-like device) is implanted in the chest and programmed to send electrical impulses to a specific region of the brain. DBS is currently being tested for treating severe depression.
dementia
Deterioration of cognitive abilities resulting from a brain disorder or other disease.
depression
A mood disorder characterized by persistent low or sad mood, decreased or absent interest in almost all activities, loss of self-confidence, and a sense of worthlessness.
diuretics
Drugs that increase urine output by increasing sodium loss in the urine. They can increase the risk of toxicity when taken with lithium.
dopamine
A neurotransmitter; low levels are linked to depression and Parkinson’s disease.
dopamine reuptake inhibitors
Antidepressant drugs that decrease the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter dopamine by the cell that released the dopamine.
double depression
Dysthymia with recurrent episodes of major depression.
dysthymia
A chronic disorder lasting two years or more, characterized by the presence of depressed mood for most of the day for more days than not. It may be intermittent, with periods of feeling normal, but relief lasts no more than two months. Symptoms are not severe enough to meet the criteria for major depression.
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E
electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
A series of sessions in which a controlled seizure is produced by attaching electrodes to the head and then sending brief electrical impulses through the skull into the brain. Used to treat depression and other psychiatric conditions when other treatments have failed or when immediate relief of symptoms is needed.
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F
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G
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
A neurotransmitter that suppresses the action of nerve cells. Decreased activity of GABA may contribute to anxiety disorders.
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
A condition characterized by persistent, excessive anxiety and worry.
glutamate
A neurotransmitter that stimulates nerve cells. High glutamate levels in the brain may contribute to depression.
group therapy
A form of psychotherapy in which people meet under the guidance of a therapist to share feelings, experiences, and solutions in a supportive environment.
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H
Huntington’s disease
A disease of the central nervous system characterized by jerky movements, personality changes, and dementia.
hyperthyroidism
The condition of having an overactive thyroid gland. When untreated, it can trigger symptoms of a mood disorder.
hypomania
Episodes of mild manic symptoms.
hypothalamus
A part of the brain located within the limbic system that regulates the pituitary gland and may be involved in hormonal imbalances sometimes associated with depression.
hypothyroidism
The condition of having an underactive thyroid gland. When untreated, it can trigger symptoms of a mood disorder.
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I
interpersonal therapy
A form of psychotherapy that aims to help a person cope with immediate problems and difficult transitions (such as divorce). Also known as crisis intervention.
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J
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K
kava
An herb marketed as a remedy for anxiety; it is not approved by the FDA.
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L
light therapy
A treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that involves exposure to sources of bright light.
limbic system
A group of structures deep in the brain that play a major role in processing memories and emotion. These structures include the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and entorhinal cortex.
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M
mania
A mood disorder characterized by elated or elevated mood, increased activity, overblown self-image, and exaggerated self-confidence.
manic depression
See bipolar disorder.
melatonin
A hormone that appears to play a role in the body’s daily rhythms. In supplement form, it is marketed as a remedy for seasonal affective disorder. It is not approved by the FDA.
mixed state
A condition in bipolar disorder when simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression are manifest.
monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
Antidepressant drugs that increase brain levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine by blocking the action of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which normally inactivates these neurotransmitters.
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N
neuroleptics
Antipsychotic drugs sometimes used to control the psychotic symptoms of bipolar disorder until other mood-stabilizing drugs begin to take effect.
neurons
Nerve cells in the brain.
neurotransmitters
Chemicals used for communication between neurons.
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
A class of drugs (including ibuprofen and aspirin) that reduce pain and inflammation. NSAIDs can increase the risk of toxicity when taken with lithium.
norepinephrine
A neurotransmitter, low levels of which are linked to depression.
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O
obsession
Recurring and persistent thoughts, ideas, images, or impulses, sometimes of an aggressive or violent nature, that invade a person’s consciousness.
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
A condition characterized by recurrent, repetitive thoughts (obsessions), behaviors (compulsions), or a combination of both. A person with OCD recognizes that his or her obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable, intrusive, unnecessary, or foolish but cannot resist them.
omega-3 fatty acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found in certain foods, notably fish and flaxseed. Researchers are currently studying omega 3s as a potential treatment for depression and bipolar disorder.
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P
panic disorder
A condition characterized by shortlived, sudden attacks of terror and fear of losing control; attacks begin without warning during nonthreatening activities.
Parkinson’s disease
A progressive neurological disease characterized by tremors, stooped posture, and slow movement.
phobic disorder
A condition characterized by persistent, irrational fears that significantly impair an individual’s social or work performance.
pituitary gland
A small gland located at the base of the brain that releases hormones regulating growth and metabolism.
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
A form of chronic psychological stress that follows exposure to a traumatic event such as an earthquake, a violent crime (rape, child abuse, murder), torture, an accident, or warfare.
psychiatric nurse specialist
A registered nurse, usually with a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing, who specializes in treating mental disorders.
psychiatric social worker
A social worker with specialized training in counseling.
psychiatrist
A medical doctor trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders; psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe medications and hospitalize patients.
psychoanalytic therapy
A form of psychotherapy in which a person meets with an analyst three to five times a week in a stream-of-consciousness, free-association atmosphere that involves minimal feedback from the therapist.
psychodynamic therapy
A form of psychotherapy that focuses on the patient’s previous experiences in an attempt to understand current conflicts or feelings about recent changes, such as retirement or grief.
psychologist
A person with a doctorate degree in psychology who is trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing; psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medication or hospitalize patients.
psychotherapist
A person who practices psychotherapy. Licensing and certification of psychotherapists vary from state to state.
psychotherapy
The treatment of an emotional, behavioral, personality, or psychiatric disorder by means of verbal and nonverbal communication, as opposed to the use of medication or physical interventions. Psychotherapy has many forms (see separate entries): interpersonal therapy; psychodynamic therapy; supportive therapy; behavioral therapy; cognitive therapy; psychoanalytic therapy; and group therapy.
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Q
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R
rapid cycling
A condition that occurs in bipolar disorder and involves multiple episodes of depression and mania within a given year.
rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
A procedure in which an electromagnetic coil is placed on the scalp and sends pulsed magnetic stimulation to the brain. TMS is currently being tested for treating depression.
reuptake
The reabsorption of a neurotransmitter by the nerve cell that released it. Drugs that block reuptake allow the neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft to continue stimulation of other nerve cells.
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S
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e)
A supplement that is marketed as a treatment for depression; it is not approved by the FDA.
seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Episodes of depression that occur during certain times of the year when there is less sunlight, usually beginning in November and lasting through the winter months.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Antidepressant drugs that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and thereby raise its concentration in the brain.
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms experienced by about 25% of people who abruptly stop taking an SSRI. Most common symptoms are dizziness, nausea, lethargy, and headache.
serotonin
A neurotransmitter; low levels are linked to depression.
serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Antidepressant drugs that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
serotonin syndrome
A disorder that develops in some people who take a combination of drugs that raise the level of serotonin in the body. Symptoms include altered mental status and neuromuscular and nervous system problems.
social phobia
An undue fear of embarrassment in social situations. People with social phobia are so consumed by the fear of embarrassing themselves or being judged negatively that they avoid most social contact.
St. John’s wort
An herbal remedy used for mild to moderate depression; it is not approved by the FDA.
supportive therapy
A form of therapy that teaches people about their illness, with the idea that a better understanding of the illness will enable them to set more realistic and tangible goals. The person’s family members or close friends may be included in some counseling or education sessions.
synaptic cleft
The small gap between nerve cells; sometimes referred to as a synapse.
T
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testosterone
The principal male sex hormone, it is currently being studied for its ability to treat depression in men.
tetracyclics
Antidepressant drugs with actions, effectiveness, and side effects similar to tricyclics.
tolerance
Decreased effectiveness of a given dose of a drug resulting from its continued use.
tricyclics
Antidepressant drugs that raise concentrations of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin in the synaptic cleft by blocking their reuptake.
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U
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V
vagus nerve stimulator
A small, surgically implanted device that periodically stimulates the brain through the vagus nerve. It is used in the treatment of epilepsy and is being studied for treating depression.
valerian
An herb used to alleviate anxiety; it is not approved by the FDA.
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W
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X
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Y
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Z
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Derived from The Johns Hopkins White Paper 2007: Depression and Anxiety
Look In the Book: Depression and Anxiety
copyright 2007 Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.
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