Definition People with paranoid personality disorder (PPD) have long-term, widespread and unwarranted suspicions that other people are hostile, threatening or demeaning. These beliefs are steadfastly maintained in the absence of any real supporting evidence. The disorder, whose name comes from the Greek word for “madness,” is one of ten personality disorders described in the 2000 [...]
Definition Paranoia is a symptom in which an individual feels as if the world is “out to get” him or her. When people are paranoid, they feel as if others are always talking about them behind their backs. Paranoia causes intense feelings of distrust, and can sometimes lead to overt or covert hostility. Description An [...]
Definition Panic disorder is a condition in which the person with the disorder suffers recurrent panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden attacks that are not caused by a substance (like caffeine), medication, or by a medical condition (like high blood pressure), and during the attack, the sufferer may experience sensations such as accelerated or irregular [...]
Definition Panic attacks, the hallmark of panic disorder, are discrete episodes of intense anxiety. Panic attacks can also be experienced by people with specific phobia, social phobia, or by people who have used or consumed certain substances, such as cocaine. Description Panic attacks are intense anxiety experiences that are usually accompanied by symptoms in the [...]
Definition Pain disorder is one of several somatoform disorders described in the revised, fourth edition of the mental health professional’s handbook, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(known asDSM-IV-TR). The term “somatoform” means that symptoms are physical but are not entirely understood as a consequence of a general medical condition or as a direct [...]
Definition Oxazepam is a member of a family of tranquilizers known as benzodiazepines. It is sold in the United States under the brand name Serax and in Canada under the brand name Ox-Pam. Generic forms of oxazepam are also available. Purpose Oxazepam is prescribed to treat feelings of tension and anxiety. It is also used [...]
History of theories about mental illness Mental illness in the ancient world Over the history of the healing arts, there has been an evolution of theories regarding the root causes of mental illness. Early writings from such ancient civilizations as those of Greece, Rome, India, and Egypt focused on demonic possession as the cause. This [...]
Definition Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a disorder found primarily in children and adolescents. It is characterized by negative, disobedient, or defiant behavior that is worse than the normal “testing” behavior most children display from time to time. Most children go through periods of being difficult, particularly during the period from 18 months to three [...]
Definition Opioids are a class of drugs that include both natural and synthetic substances. The natural opioids (referred to as opiates) include opium and morphine. Heroin, the most abused opioid, is synthesized from opium. Other synthetics (only made in laboratories) and commonly prescribed for pain, such as cough suppressants, or as anti-diarrhea agents, include codeine, [...]
Definition Olanzapine is classified as an atypical antipsychotic drug. It is available in the United States under the brand names Zyprexa and Zyprexa Zydis. Purpose Olanzapine is used to treat schizophrenia, to control manic episodes of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder), or to treat dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. Description Olanzapine is thought to modify the [...]