Psychopharmacology Glossary

Systematic tracking of psychiatric medication levels, effects, and side effects.

An abnormal lengthening of the corrected QT interval on electrocardiogram, increasing risk of dangerous heart rhythm abn...

Pattern of bipolar disorder characterized by four or more mood episodes within a twelve-month period, affecting treatmen...

Genetic phenotype characterized by increased enzymatic activity resulting in faster drug metabolism and potentially redu...

Temporary worsening of original symptoms when discontinuing a medication.

Reduction in the number or sensitivity of cellular receptors in response to prolonged drug exposure.

Percentage of neurotransmitter receptors bound by a medication at a given dose.

Individual pattern of early warning signs that typically precede a psychiatric episode in a specific patient.

Newer class of antipsychotic medications with reduced risk of extrapyramidal side effects compared to first-generation d...

A potentially fatal condition caused by excessive serotonin activity, often from drug interactions.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a class of antidepressants that blocks reuptake of both serotonin and norep...

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, a class of antidepressant medications that increase serotonin availability in th...

Drug delivery method where medication is placed under the tongue for absorption through oral mucosa.

Transition from depression to mania or hypomania during antidepressant treatment, indicating possible underlying bipolar...

Frequency at which patients experience manic or hypomanic episodes following initiation of antidepressant treatment.

A potentially irreversible movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, typically caused by lon...

Collaborative relationship between patient and clinician characterized by mutual trust, shared treatment goals, and agre...

The practice of measuring medication concentrations in blood to optimize dosing and ensure therapeutic effectiveness.

The property of different drug formulations producing similar therapeutic effects in patients.

The ratio between toxic and therapeutic doses of a medication, indicating its safety margin.

The range of drug dosages or serum concentrations that produces therapeutic effects without unacceptable toxicity.

The gradual adjustment of medication dosage upward or downward to achieve optimal therapeutic effect while minimizing si...

An adverse event that occurs during treatment and was not present at baseline, or worsens from baseline during therapy.

Describing a psychiatric condition that has not responded adequately to standard therapeutic interventions.