PHARMACOPSYCHOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pharmacopsychosis is a noun used to describe a condition characterized by the appearance of psychotic symptoms induced by the use of medications. The term combines the words "pharmaco-" which pertains to medications or drugs, and "psychosis," referring to a mental disorder marked by a loss of contact with reality, often involving hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
In pharmacopsychosis, an individual experiences a temporary or transient episode of psychosis triggered directly by the presence or use of certain psychoactive substances, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or illicit substances. The psychotic symptoms may encompass auditory or visual hallucinations, irrational thoughts or beliefs, paranoid ideation, incoherence, disorientation, and even aggressive or violent behavior.
Pharmacopsychosis can occur as an adverse reaction to certain medications, particularly those affecting the central nervous system, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants, and some sedatives. The manifestation of pharmacopsychosis may vary in intensity and duration, depending on factors such as the individual's overall health, medication dosage, duration of usage, and potential interactions with other drugs or substances.
It is important to differentiate pharmacopsychosis from primary psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, as the former is typically a temporary condition caused by the pharmacological effects of substances. Treatment for pharmacopsychosis often involves discontinuation or adjustment of the medication, along with supportive care and, in severe cases, the administration of antipsychotic medication to alleviate symptoms. Regular monitoring and close collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients are crucial to manage and prevent the reoccurrence of pharmacopsychosis.
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Any form of drug addiction.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PHARMACOPSYCHOSIS
- oharmacopsychosis
- lharmacopsychosis
- -harmacopsychosis
- 0harmacopsychosis
- pgarmacopsychosis
- pbarmacopsychosis
- pnarmacopsychosis
- pjarmacopsychosis
- puarmacopsychosis
- pyarmacopsychosis
- phzrmacopsychosis
- phsrmacopsychosis
- phwrmacopsychosis
- phqrmacopsychosis
- phaemacopsychosis
- phadmacopsychosis
- phafmacopsychosis
- phatmacopsychosis
- pha5macopsychosis
- pha4macopsychosis
Etymology of PHARMACOPSYCHOSIS
The word "pharmacopsychosis" is derived from the combination of two root words: "pharmaco-" and "-psychosis".
1. "Pharmaco-" comes from the Greek word "phármakon" (φάρμακον), meaning "drug" or "medicine". This root is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to drugs, medications, or pharmacology.
2. "-Psychosis" is derived from the Greek word "psyche" (ψυχή), meaning "soul" or "mind". It is commonly used in psychology and psychiatry to refer to a severe mental disorder characterized by loss of contact with reality, often involving hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
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