Chapter 7
A chemical messenger released by a neuron to communicate with another nerve cell, muscle, or gland.
Neurotransmitter
A severe elevation in blood pressure that may threaten organ function; it is a hypertensive emergency when acute organ damage occurs.
Hypertensive crisis
The part of the nervous system that regulates largely involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and gland activity.
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Conditions involving significant disturbances in mood, including depressive disorders and bipolar disorders.
Mood disorders
Absence or marked reduction of movement, including difficulty initiating voluntary movements.
Akinesia
Medications used to treat symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions; some also treat mania and other mental health conditions.
Antipsychotics
Medication-related movement disorders, especially from dopamine-blocking drugs, including akathisia, dystonia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia.
Extrapyramidal side effects (ESPEs)
A potentially persistent movement disorder associated with prolonged exposure to dopamine-blocking medications, often involving repetitive movements of the mouth, tongue, face, limbs, or trunk.
Tardive dyskinesia
The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for activity or stress, including increasing heart rate and reducing digestive activity.
Sympathetic nervous system
Medication-caused movement symptoms resembling Parkinson disease, such as slowed movement, muscle rigidity, tremor, and a shuffling gait.
Drug-induced parkinsonism
A mood-stabilizing medication used primarily to treat and prevent mood episodes in bipolar disorder; it requires blood-level monitoring.
Lithium
A feeling of inner restlessness with a strong urge to move, often shown by pacing, rocking, or difficulty sitting still.
Akathisia
Medications used to treat mental health symptoms and disorders, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antianxiety medications.
Psychotherapeutic drugs
A disorder primarily involving disturbances in mood, such as depression or bipolar disorder; another term for a mood disorder.
Affective disorder
The nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord that connect the central nervous system with the rest of the body.
Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Abnormal, involuntary movements, such as twisting, jerking, or repetitive motions.
Dyskinesia
A nerve cell that receives and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.
Neuron
A traditional term for not following an agreed treatment plan. Nonadherence is often preferred because it allows consideration of barriers such as cost, side effects, or misunderstanding.
Noncompliance
The division of the autonomic nervous system that supports “rest and digest” functions, such as slowing heart rate and promoting digestion.
Parasympathetic nervous system
A period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy and activity, often involving reduced need for sleep, rapid speech, and risky behavior that seriously disrupts functioning.
Mania
The brain and spinal cord, which process information and coordinate the body’s responses.
Central nervous system (CNS)
Antidepressants that block an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, increasing their availability.
Monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Sustained or intermittent involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting movements or abnormal postures.
Dystonia
A rare, life-threatening reaction usually associated with antipsychotics, characterized by high fever, severe muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and unstable autonomic functions.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)