Category: P
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Pregenital
In psychoanalysis, refers to the period of early childhood before the genitals have begun to exert the predominant influence in the organization or patterning of sexual behavior. Oral and anal influences predominate during this period. In psychology, relating to that period when erotic interest in the reproductive organs and functions is not yet organized.
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Pregabalin
An anticonvulsant medication approved for treatment of neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder (europe only). Marketed under the brand name lyrica.
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Preconscious
Thoughts that are not in immediate awareness but that can be recalled by conscious effort. One’s own telephone number would be an example. Thoughts that are temporarily forgotten but can easily be recalled. Not present in consciousness but able to be recalled as desired.
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Prazosin
An alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocker originally developed to treat hypertension but also effective in treating various other conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, including increased startle response, recurrent nightmares and sleep disturbance related to PTSD, and reexperiencing of past traumas. In recent clinical studies, prazosin has also shown some effectiveness in treatment of alcohol…
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Pramipexole
A medication indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of idiopathic parkinson’s disease and of moderate to severe primary restless legs syndrome. Marketed under the brand name mirapex.
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Prader-Willi syndrome
A developmental disability caused by genetic changes on chromosome 15. Between ages 1 and 4, children with this syndrome develop an increased interest in food, which may become an insatiable obsession and is often associated with compact body build, underdeveloped sexual characteristics, and poor muscle tone. Most patients have mild intellectual disability and delays in…
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Poverty of speech
Restriction in the amount of speech; spontaneous speech and replies to questions range from brief and unelaborated to monosyllabic or no response at all. When the amount of speech is adequate, there may be a poverty of content if the answer is vague or if there is a substitution of stereotyped or obscure phrases for…
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Potency
The male’s ability to carry out sexual relations. Often refers specifically to the male’s capacity to achieve and maintain adequate erection of the penis during sexual intercourse. Also used metaphorically to denote masculine power, strength, or vigor. Contrast with impotence. “Strength” of a homeopathic remedy the higher the number, the greater the strength and the…
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Postural tremor, medication-induced
Fine shaking when attempting to maintain a posture that develops in association with the use of medications such as lithium carbonate, antidepressants, and valproate.
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Postural instability
A loss of balance that causes someone to feel unsteady. Postural instability is one of the most common causes of falls in people with parkinson’s disease. This symptom must be taken seriously, as it can result in head injury or bone fractures.