Category: P
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Paramnesia
Distortion of memory with confusion of fact and fantasy. A false memory in which the person recalls events that did not occur. A disorder of the memory in which someone remembers events which have not happened. A derangement of the memory in which words are used without a comprehension of their meaning; the term is…
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Parahippocampal gyrus
A gray matter cortical region of the brain that surrounds the hippocampus. This region plays an important role in memory encoding and retrieval. A gyrus on the lower surface of each cerebral hemisphere between the hippocampal and collateral sulci.
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Paradoxical intention
A technique used in behavior therapy in which individuals are encouraged to engage in whatever behavior they are trying to stop. For example, a person with compulsive hand washing might be instructed to wash even more frequently.
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Panphobia
The fear of everything.
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Panic disorder
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, at least one of which is followed by a month or more of persisting concern about having these attacks. Panic disorder is categorized as with or without agoraphobia, depending on whether criteria for that condition are also met. Discrete periods of intense fear or discomfort. Listed in DSM-lIl-R as an anxiety…
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Panic attack
A period of intense fear or discomfort, with the abrupt development of a variety of physical symptoms and fears of dying, going crazy, or losing control that reach a crescendo within 10 minutes. The symptoms may include shortness of breath or smothering sensations; dizziness, faintness, or feelings of unsteadiness; trembling or shaking; sweating; choking; nausea…
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Panic
Sudden, overwhelming anxiety of such intensity that it produces terror and physiological changes. A severe personality disorganization involving intense anxiety and usually paralyzing immobility or blind flight, panic disorder. A feeling of great fear which cannot be stopped and which sometimes results in irrational behaviour. Intense, overwhelming fear, producing terror, physiological changes, and often immobility…
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Pamelor
Brand name for the tricyclic antidepressant drug nortriptyline. A commercial preparation of nortriptyline.
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Pallidotomy
A procedure in which a tiny electrical probe is placed in the Globus pallidus and heated to 80° Celsius in order to destroy a small area of brain cells. Pallidotomy is used to treat dyskinesia’s in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Creating a scar in the Globus pallidus reduces the brain activity in that area, which…
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Paliperidone
An atypical antipsychotic medication indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. Marketed under the brand name invega.