Glossary

Category: R

  • Risperdal

    Brand name for the atypical antipsychotic drug risperidone.  

  • ReVia

    Brand name for the opioid antagonist drug naltrexone.  

  • Reuptake inhibitor

    A drug that inhibits the reuptake of a neurotransmitter from the synapse into the presynaptic neuron, leading to an increase in concentration of that neurotransmitter and therefore an increase in neurotransmission. Drugs that exert their psychological and physiological effects through reuptake inhibition include various antidepressants, anxiolytics, and stimulants. Most known reuptake inhibitors affect serotonin, norepinephrine,…

  • Rett’s disorder

    A pervasive developmental disorder and genetic condition characterized by the appearance, between ages 5 months and 48 months, of decelerated head growth, loss of previously acquired purposeful hand movements and development of stereotyped hand movements (hand wringing), loss of social engagement (social interaction may develop later), poorly coordinated gait or trunk movements, and impaired expressive…

  • Retrospective falsification

    Unconscious distortion of past experiences to conform to present emotional needs. Deliberate or unconscious alteration of memory for past events or situations, a mental mechanism for ego preservation.  

  • Restraint

    Restraint

    Any physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment, including drugs or medications, used to immobilize a patient for the purpose of preventing that patient from harming him-/herself or others. Any method of restricting movement with cloth, belts, and other devices to prevent harm to the patient and others. The process of refraining from any action,…

  • Restoril

    Brand name for the benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drug temazepam. A commercial preparation of temazepam.  

  • Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

    Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

    A sleep disorder that does not meet criteria for a specific dyssomnia, characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs accompanied by an uncomfortable crawling, creeping sensation. RLS is common in end-stage renal disease patients, during pregnancy, and in individuals with parkinson’s disease or irondeficiency anemia. Also known as wittmaack-ekbom syndrome. Painful discomfort in…

  • Respondent conditioning (classical/Pavlovian conditioning)

    Elicitation of a response by a stimulus that normally does not elicit that response. The response is one that is mediated primarily by the autonomic nervous system (ans) (such as salivation or a change in heart rate). A previously neutral stimulus is repeatedly presented just before an unconditioned stimulus that normally elicits that response. When…

  • Residual

    A term describing the phase of an illness that occurs after remission of the florid symptoms or the full syndrome. The remaining symptoms are called residua. Remaining, which is left behind. Relating to substances or elements that cannot be expelled or discharged, such as the remaining air in the lungs or the leftover urine in…