Category: A
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Algophobia
An unusually intense fear of pain. Morbid or excessive fear and sensitivity to pain. The dread of experiencing or observing suffering or pain.
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Alexithymia
A disturbance in affective and cognitive function that may occur in several disorders; it is common in psychosomatic disorders, addictive disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The chief manifestations are difficulty in describing or recognizing one’s own emotions, a limited fantasy life, and general constriction in the affective life. The inability to express or describe…
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Alexia
Loss of a previously possessed ability to grasp the meaning of written or printed words and sentences that cannot be explained by defective visual acuity. Loss of ability to understand the written language. The loss of the ability to read or an initial inability to learn to read due to brain damage. A condition in…
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Alcoholism
A syndrome of chronic substance dependence characterized by either tolerance to alcohol or development of withdrawal symptoms on cessation of, or reduction in, alcohol intake. Other aspects of the syndrome are psychological dependence and impairment in social and/or vocational functioning. Vulnerability to alcoholism may have a genetic basis. A chronic illness manifested by repeated drinking…
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Alcohol-related disorders
A group of mental disorders that includes alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, alcohol intoxication, alcohol withdrawal, alcohol intoxication delirium, alcohol withdrawal delirium, alcohol-induced persisting dementia, alcohol-induced persisting amnestic disorder, alcohol-induced psychotic disder, alcohol-induced mood disorder, alcohol-induced anxiety disorder, alcohol-induced sleep disorder, and alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction. Heavy and prolonged consumption of alcohol is associated with a wide…
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Alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health administration (ADAMHA)
An agency in the U.S. Department of health and human service that was replaced in 1992 by the substance abuse and mental health services administration. In reorganizing alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health administration into SAMHSA, the three alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health administration research institutes—the national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, the…
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Alcohol dependence (alcoholism)
Dependence on alcohol; also called alcoholism. Dependence on alcohol characterized by either tolerance to the agent or development of withdrawal phenomena on cessation of, or reduction in, intake. Other aspects of the syndrome are psychologic dependence and impairment in social or vocational functioning. Medical complications include memory loss and liver dysfunction. A physical and/or psychological…
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Alcohol amnestic disorder (Korsakoff’s syndrome)
A disease associated with chronic alcohol dependence (alcoholism) and resulting from a deficiency of vitamin B1. Patients sustain damage to part of the thalamus and cerebellum and have anterograde and retrograde amnesia, with an inability to retain new information. Other symptoms include inflammation of nerves, muttering delirium, insomnia, Illusions, and hallucinations. In alcohol amnestic disorder,…
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Alateen
A twelve-step program for teenaged children of alcoholic parents operating in some communities under the philosophical and organizational structure of alcoholics anonymous (AA). Alateen provides a setting in which the children may receive group support to achieve an understanding of their parents’ problems and to learn better methods of coping. A nonprofit organization that provides…
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Alcoholics anonymous
A twelve-step program for relatives of alcoholic persons operating in many communities under the philosophical and organizational structure of alcoholics anonymous (AA). A goal is to facilitate discussion and resolution of common problems. A twelve-step program for alcoholic persons who collectively assist other alcoholic persons through a structured fellowship of personal and group support. A…