Category: N

The science of the relationships between the nervous system (particularly the brain) and the endocrine system. Of particular importance is the action of the hypothalamus, which stimulates or inhibits the pituitary’s secretion of hormones. The study of the ways in which the central nervous system and the endocrine system interact to promote normal body functioning.…

The branch of chemistry that deals with the nervous system, including its chemical components and the passage of the nerve impulse through the nerve cell and its transmission across synapses. The study of the chemical interactions of the brain and nervous system.  

An examination that assesses a broader range of cognitive functioning than the mini-mental state exam (MMSE) but is brief enough to be given at the bedside in clinical settings.  

Characteristic structural abnormalities found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. These deposits are made of a protein called beta-amyloid, which accumulates outside of neurons and other brain cells in a space known as the extracellular space.  

The gene responsible for encoding NRG1, a protein known to be involved in the development of the nervous system. NRG1 is currently one of the most studied candidate genes for schizophrenia. Altered expression of the NRG1 gene has been found in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia, and it has been proposed that NRG1 might…

A treatment modality designed to allow the therapist to treat addictive disorders in the ambulatory setting. Family members and friends are enlisted to provide ongoing support.  

A nonmedical, nonspecific euphemism for a mental disorder. Pertaining to lowered integration and the inability to deal adequately with one’s life situation. Colloquial term for a mental condition that disrupts normal functioning. A non-medical description of a variety of emotional crises, ranging from an outburst of hysterical behaviour to a major neurotic illness that may…

A common idiom of distress among Latinos in the United States and Latin America. A number of other ethnic groups have related, though often somewhat distinctive, ideas of “nerves” (such as nevra among Greeks and nervi among Italians). Nervios refers both to a general state of vulnerability to stressful life experiences and to a syndrome…

The most recently evolved part of the corpus striatum, consisting of the caudate nucleus and putamen. The caudate nucleus and the putamen considered together.  

In psychiatry, a new word or condensed combination of several words coined by a person to express a highly complex idea not readily understood by others; seen in schizophrenia, dementia and organic mental disorders. A word coined by a patient who is in psychotherapy. In psychiatry, invention of a new word that has meaning only…