Glossary

Glossary of Terms commonly found in articles and information relating to ADHD and Strattera.

Choose a letter for the word you are looking for.

[ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z ]

[A]

[B]

Behavior Modification

The use of basic learning techniques, such as conditioning, biofeedback, reinforcement, or aversion therapy, to alter human behavior.

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[C]

Cardiovascular Disease

A disease of the heart or blood vessels.

Cerebrovascular Disease

A disease of the blood vessels that supply the brain.

Contraindications

Any factor of a patient's condition that makes it unwise to take a specific medication.

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[D]

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter that affects brain processes involved in controlling movement, emotional response, and the ability to experience pleasure and pain; drugs increasing DA are prescribed for Parkinson's disease and drugs that inhibit DA are prescribed for schizophrenia.

DSM-IV-TR

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition; manual published by the American Psychiatric Association that sets criteria for the diagnosis of neurobiologic and other psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD.

[E]

[F]

[G]

[H]

Hyperactivity

One of the behavioral categories used to identify the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, defined as having behavior characterized by overactivity.

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[I]

Inattentive

One of the behavioral categories used to identify the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, defined as exhibiting a lack of attention.

Impairment

To cause to diminish, as in strength, value, or quality.

Impulsiveness

One of the behavioral categories used to identify the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, defined as inclined to act on impulse rather than thought.

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: atomoxetine hydrochloride. Inactive Ingredients: pregelatinized starch, dimethicone, gelatin, sodium laurel sulfate, FD&C Blue No. 2, synthetic yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and edible black ink.

[J]

[K]

[L]

[M]

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Enzyme responsible for breaking down monoamines, resulting in decreased availability of the neurotransmitters; drugs that inhibit MAO are typically prescribed as antidepressants.

Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD

Study conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and cosponsored by the Department of Education to identify and compare benefits of different treatment modalities for ADHD; one of the largest and longest-running clinical ADHD trials to date; first results were released in late 1999; periodic updates are ongoing.

Mydriasis

Widening of the pupil, which occurs normally in dim light.

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[N]

Narrow angle glaucoma

The second most common form of glaucoma. This condition can be acute or chronic. It consists of increased pressure in the front chamber (anterior chamber) of the eye due to sudden (acute) or slowly progressive (chronic) blockage of the normal circulation of fluid within the eye.

Neurological

Having to do with the nerves or the nervous system.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical substance that enables communication between nerve cells; can stimulate or inhibit neurons by binding to them.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is thought to have important input into the central nervous system control of attention, concentration, cognition, mood, emotions, and blood pressure.

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[O]

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[P]

Placebo