Category: D

Obsolete descriptive term for schizophrenia. Introduced as “démence précoce” by Benedict Augustine Morel in 1857 and later popularized by Emil Kraepelin (1856–1926). An obsolete term for schizophrenia. An antiquated term previously employed to denote severe schizophrenia, particularly in adolescents or young adults.  

Although in clinical practice it is often difficult to differentiate from the paranoid type of schizophrenia, the delusions in this disorder are characteristically systematized rather than bizarre. Also, other characteristics of the active phase of schizophrenia are absent or only fleetingly present, and personality functioning remains relatively intact outside the area of the delusional theme.…

A severe form of depressive disorder characterized by psychotic thinking (e.g., delusions or hallucinations) as well as neurovegetative symptoms. Listed in dsm-iv-tr as major depressive disorder, severe with psychotic features.  

A false belief based on an incorrect inference about external reality, firmly sustained despite clear evidence to the contrary. The belief is not part of a cultural tradition such as an article of religious faith. Among the more frequently reported delusions are the following: a)Delusional Jealousy: The false belief that one’s sexual partner is unfaithful;…

Alcohol withdrawal delirium; alcohol delirium with onset during withdrawal. An acute and sometimes fatal brain disorder (in 10-15% of untreated cases) caused by total or partial withdrawal from excessive alcohol intake. Usually develops in 24-96 hours after cessation of drinking. Symptoms include fever, tremors, ataxia and some- times convulsions, frightening illusions, delusions, and hallucinations. The…

A cognitive disorder characterized by impairment in consciousness and attention and changes in cognition (e.g., memory deficit, disorientation, language or perceptual disturbance). The following types of delirium are recognized by dsm-iv-tr: delirium due to a general medical condition, substance-induced delirium (in intoxication and withdrawal states), delirium due to multiple etiologies, and delirium not otherwise specified.…

A paramnesia consisting of the sensation or illusion that one is seeing what one has seen before. A feeling of having already experienced an event which the person is doing or seeing at the moment. French for ‘already seen’, da vu is quite common but no satisfactory explanation for the phenomenon has yet been discovered.…

Change in locus of mental health care from traditional, institutional settings to community-based services. Sometimes called transinstitutionalization because it often merely shifts the patients from one institution (the hospital) to another (such as a prison). The discharge of mental patients from mental institutions, with continued care to be provided in the community. This movement was…

Insufficient quantity or inadequate supply. In neurology, it refers to an inability to perform (e.g., a motor action or mental task) because of some interference in the chain of neurophysiological and neurochemical events that lies between stimulus and response. The amount by which something is less than it should be. A deficiency (e.g., a loss…

The use of an implanted electrode to deliver continuous high-frequency electrical stimulation to the thalamus to treat tremor in parkinson’s disease. The application of pulsed electrical energy via electrodes to the pars interna of the globus pallidus or the subthalamic nucleus. It is used to treat movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Pain-reducing technique whereby…