Your doctor said you are suffering from logorrhea - should you be frightened, amused, insulted, or what? You can find this and much more in our Glossary of terms related to Bipolar Disorder.

acute - abrupt onset of a disorder or symptom; runs a short course

Adapin - see Doxepin Hydrochloride

ADD - see Attention Deficit Disorder

addiction - emotional and/or physical dependence on a substance

ADHD - see Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

affective disorder - characterized by a disturbance of mood; mood disorder

affective spectrum - a grouping of other possible medical problems such as attention deficit disorder, migraines, panic and anxiety disorders, alcoholism ... which have an increased probability of diagnosis for those with an affective disorder

agranulocytosis - loss of white blood cells

akathisia - restlessness

akinesia - listlessness

alogia - absence of thought or speech

Alprazolam - a Benzodiazepine tranquilizer; prescribed for anxiety, tension, panic attacks, depression; brand names include Alprazolam and Xanax; (links for Alprazolam)

Amantadine - an antiparkinsonian; prescribed to offset some side effects from psychoactive drugs; brand names include Symmetrel

Ambien - see Zolpidem

amenorrhea - absence of menstruation

Amitid - see Amitriptyline

Amitril - see Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed for depression; brand names include Amitid, Amitril, Elavil, Emitrip and Vanatrip; (links for Amitriptyline)

amnesia - loss of memory

Amoxapine - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed for depression; brand names include Asendin

Anafranil - see Clomipramine

analgesic - medication which reduces pain

angioedema - swelling of the skin

anhedonia - inability to feel pleasure or happiness

anhidrosis - dry skin and eyes

anorgasmia - inability to have an orgasm

anticholinergic - a drug which inhibits the action of acetylcholine

anticonvulsant - a drug used to control or prevent seizures; a number of these drugs are also used to alleviate the mania of Bipolar Disorder

antidepressants - a drug used to alleviate depression

antipsychotic - a drug used to alleviate psychosis or a psychotic state

arrhythmia - irregular heartbeat

Artone - see Trihexyphenidyl

Asendin - see Amoxapine

ataxia - lack of body coordination

Ativan - see Lorazepam

Attention Deficit Disorder - beginning to be called "ADD/WO" meaning "without" hyperactivity. In comparison to ADHD, this condition is characterized by fewer serious conduct problems, less impulsivity, greater sluggishness, greater anxiety, and greater depressed mood. Children suffering from this condition exhibit inattention, disorganization and difficulty completing tasks

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder - a neurobiological disorder, abbreviated as ADHD, AD/HD and recently, ADD/H. Typically children with AD/HD have developmentally inappropriate behavior, including poor attention skills, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These characteristics arise in early childhood, typically before age 7, are chronic, and last at least 6 months. Children with AD/HD may also experience problems in the areas of social skills and self esteem.

Aventyl - see Nortriptyline

behavioral therapy - a treatment plan which is designed for a particular person and targets a specific problem or behavior for modification regardless of diagnosis

Benzodiazepines - a classification of drugs which are used as minor tranquilizers or hypnotics

Benztropine - an anticholinergetic prescribed to prevent muscle spasms caused by Phenothiazines or other drugs; brand names include Cogentin

Bipolar Disorder - a severe mental illness causing repeated episodes of mania and depression

Borderline Personality Disorder - a mental condition characterized by difficult relationships, moods and behavior as well as self-injury

BP - see Bipolar Disorder

BP I - a classification of Bipolar Disorder characterized by episodes of mania and major depression

BP II - a classification of Bipolar Disorder characterized by episodes of hypomania and major depression

BP III - a classification of Bipolar Disorder entitled cyclothymia which is characterized by minor episodes of hypomania and depression

BP IV - a classification of Bipolar Disorder characterized by antidepressant induced hypo/mania

BP V - a classification of Bipolar Disorder characterized by major depression and a family history of Bipolar Disorder

BP VI - a classification of Bipolar Disorder characterized by unipolar mania; very rare

BPD - see Borderline Personality Disorder

bradycardia - slow heartbeat

bradykinesia - very slow movement

Bupropion - a Heterocyclic antidepressant; prescribed for depression; brand names include Wellbutrin and Zyban

BuSpar - see Buspirone

Buspirone - a minor tranquilizer/antianxiety drug; prescribed for anxiety; brand names include BuSpar

Calan - see Verapamil

Carbamazepine - an anticonvulsant; prescribed for depression and as a mood stabilizer; brand names include Atretol, Depitol, Epitrol and Tegretol; (links for Carbamazepine)

Carbolith - see Lithium Carbonate

catatonic - apparently awake but unresponsive

Chlordiazepoxide - a Benzodiazepine tranquilizer; prescribed for anxiety, tension, fatigue and agitation; brand names include Libritabs and Librium

Chlorpromazine - a Phenothiazine antipsychotic; prescribed for psychosis and depression with anxiety; brand names include Thorazine

chorea - a sudden, graceful movement of arms or legs

chronic - a disease or condition which is long-lasting

Cibolith-S - see Lithium Carbonate

Clomipramine - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed for obsessive compulsive disorder; brand names include Anafranil

Clonazepam - an anticonvulsant; prescribed for acute manic episodes and panic attacks; brand names include Klonopin

Cogentin - see Benztropine

cognitive therapy - a form of psychotherapy working on the premise that disturbed emotional states are caused by faulty thinking; targets negative thought patterns for improvement

cyclothymia - a minor form of Bipolar Disorder; see BP III

Dalmane - see Flurazepam

delirium - mental confusion which is usually temporary; disordered speech and hallucinations are often present

delusion - a belief held despite evidence that it is not true

dementia - mental deterioration due to organic causes

Depakene - see Valproic Acid

depression - an extreme mood of sadness with physical symptoms such as loss of appetite and sleep

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance - A not-for-profit organization established to: Educate patients, families, mental health professionals, and the general public concerning the nature and management of depressive and manic-depressive illness as treatable medical diseases; foster self-help for patients and families; eliminate discrimination and stigma; Improve access to care; advocate for research toward the elimination of these illnesses.

Desipramine - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed primarily for depression; brand names include Norpramin

Desyrel - see Trazodone

diagnosis - identification of a disease or disorder

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder IV - a manual of mental disorders and the criteria for diagnosing these disorders which is published by American Psychiatric Association

Diastat - see Diazepam

Diazepam - a Benzodiazepine tranquilizer prescribed for anxiety, tension, fatigue, agitation and panic attacks; brand names include Diastat, Valium, Valrelease and Zetran

diplopia - double vision

Divalproex Sodium - anticonvulsant prescribed for treatment of the manic phase of bipolar disorder; brand names include Depakote, Epival

Doxepin Hydrochloride - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed primarily for depression; brand names included Adapin, Sinequan and Zonalon

DSMD IV - see Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder

Duralith - see Lithium Carbonate

dysarthria - unclear speech

dysphagia - difficulty swallowing

dysphoric - feeling unwell or unhappy

dystonia - muscle spasms

dysuria - difficulty urinating

eclectic therapy - a form of psychotherapy which utilizes various aspects from several therapies

ECT - see electroconvulsive therapy

Effexor - see Venlafaxine

Elavil - see Amitriptyline

electroconvulsive therapy - a treatment, primarily for severe depression, in which a convulsion is produced by passing an electric current through the brain

Emitrip - see Amitriptyline

episode - a specific period of mania or depression

Epitol - see Carbamazepine

Epival - see Divalproex Sodium

Eskalith - see Lithium Carbonate

Etrafon - see Perphenazine

euphoric - feeling of well-being or elation

euthymia - a normal mood

extrapyramidal - involuntary muscle activity

flight of ideas - a symptom of mania; used to describe the rapid changing, grandiose plans often experienced by those in a manic episode

Fluoxetine - an SSRI Antidepressant which is used for a wide range of mental illness such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, BPD; brand names include Prozac; (links for Fluoxetine)

Fluphenazine Decanoate - a Phenothiazine Antipsychotic prescribed for psychotic disorders and depression with anxiety; brand names include Permitil and Prolixin

Flurazepam - a benzodiazepine sedative prescribed for short term treatment of insomnia; brand names include Dalmane

Fluvoxamine - an SSRI Antidepressant prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression; brand names include Luvox

grandiosity - a symptom of mania; used to describe the larger-than-life feelings of superiority often experienced by those in a manic episode

group therapy - a form of psychotherapy involving at least two patients and a therapist in which participants are encouraged to analyze their own and each others' problems

Halcion - see Triazolam

Haldol - see Haloperidol

hallucination - a visual, auditory or olfactory perception which is not based in reality

Haloperidol - a Butyrophenone Antipsychotic prescribed for psychotic disorders; brand names include Haldol

hyperactive - excessively active

hypernatremia - high sodium level in the blood

hyperphagia - tendency to eat too much

hypersomnia - extended periods of sleep

hypomania - a mild degree of mania; often a precursor to a full manic episode

hyponatremia - low sodium level in the blood

Imipramine - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed primarily for depression; brand names include Tofranil

Imovane - see Zopiclone

insomnia - inability to sleep

involuntary commitment - to be consigned to a mental institution against one's will

Isoptin - see Verapamil

Janimine - see Imipramine

JCAHO - see Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations - the committee which sets the accepted standards for healthcare facilities, conducts audits to ensure healthcare facilities meet these standards, and gives accreditation to those who meet these standards

Klonopin - see Clonazepam

Libritabs - see Chloriazepoxide

Librium - see Chloriazepoxide

light therapy - a treatment for SAD in which the patient is exposed to periods of bright light to alleviate depression

Lithane - see Lithium Carbonate

Lithium Carbonate - an Antipsychotic and Antimanic drug prescribed primarily for mania associated with Bipolar Disorder; brand names include Eskalith, Lithane, Lithizine, Lithobid, Lithonate and Lithotabs; (links for Lithium Carbonate)

Lithizine - see Lithium Carbonate

Lithobid - see Lithium Carbonate

Lithonate - see Lithium Carbonate

Lithotabs - see Lithium Carbonate

logorrhea - tendency to speak to much

Lorazepam - a Benzodiazepam tranquilizer prescribed for anxiety, tension, fatigue and agitation; brand names include Ativan; (links for Lorazepam)

Ludiomil - see Maprotiline

Luvox - see Fluroxamine

mania - an excited mood characterized by mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganization of thoughts and behavior

Manic Depression - an earlier name for Bipolar Disorder

MAOI - see Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor

Maprotiline - an Antidepressant prescribed for depression and panic attacks; brand names include Ludiomil

Mellaril - see Thioridazine

Mesoridazine - a Phenothiazine Antipsychotic prescribed for psychotic disorders and depression; brand names include Serentil

mixed states - an episode in which symptoms of both mania and depression are present

Modecate - see Fluphenazine Decanoate

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor - a class of drugs which affect the work of the monoamine oxidase enzymes and thus produce an antidepressant effect; Monoamine Oxidase enzymes include epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin.

mood congruent - feelings which are in keeping with circumstances, e.g., feeling sad when someone close dies

mood incongruent - feelings which are not in keeping with circumstances. e.g., feeling sad for no reason

myasthenia - muscle weakness

NAMI - see National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Nardil - see Phenelzine

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - "A nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses." National Depressive Manic-Depressive Association - see Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

National Institutes of Health - "One of the world's foremost biomedical research centers, and the Federal focal point for biomedical research in the U.S."

National Institute of Mental Health - The division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which conducts and supports research nationwide on mental illness and mental health, including studies of the brain, behavior, and mental health services.

Navane - see Thiothixene.

NDMDA - see Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.

Nefazodone - an antidepressant; chemically unrelated to the other classes of antidepressants; brand names include Serzone

neuroleptic - a tranquilizer

neurosis - a distorted perception of reality (though to a lesser degree than psychosis) which often presents itself as visceral symptoms, anxieties or phobias

neurotic - an emotionally unstable individual who is affected with a neurosis

NIH - see National Institute of Health

NIMH - see National Institute of Mental Health

Norpramin - see Desipramine

Nortriptyline - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed primarily for depression; brand names include Aventyl and Pamelor

Olanzapine - an antipsychotic prescribed for psychotic disorders; brand names include Zyprexa

Oxazepam - a Benzodiazepine tranquilizer prescribed for anxiety, tension, fatigue and panic attacks; brands names include Serax

Pamelor - see Nortriptyline

panic disorder - persistent fear which interferes with the ability to conduct the affairs of daily living

paranoia - a psychosis characterized by a system of delusions with often include the belief of persecution or grandeur without hallucinations

paranoid - describing an individual affected with paranoia and presents such personality traits as extreme sensitivity to rejection, suspiciousness, hostility and self-importance

paresthesia - tingling skin

Parkinsonian - symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease such as tremors, rigid muscles, difficulty moving and unresponsive expression

Parnate - see Tranylcypromine

Paroxentine - an SSRI antidepressant prescribed primarily for depression; brand names include Paxil

Paxil - see Paroxetine

pdoc - nickname for "psychiatrist"

Permitil - see Fluphenazine Deconoate

Perphenazine - combined with the Tricyclic antidepressant Amitriptyline and used primarily for the treatment of depression; brand names include Etrafon and Triavil; (links for Perphenazine)

Pertofrane - see Desipramine

petechia - tiny red spots on the skin

Phenelzine - an MAOI antidepressant prescribed primarily for atypical depression; brand names include Nardil

phototoxicity- sensitivity to the sun

polydipsia - excessive thirst

polyuria - frequent urination

pressured speech - rapid, sometimes incoherent talk; a symptom of mania

priapism - persistent, painful erection

Prolixin - see Fluphenazine Deconoate

Protriptyline - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed primarily for depression; brand names include Vivactil

Prozac - see Fluoxetine

psychiatrist - a medical doctor who specializes in the study and treatment of mental disorders

psychiatry - a branch of medicine which deals with mental, emotional or behavioral disorders

psychologist - a person who is engaged in the scientific study of the mind and, often, the treatment of mental, emotional or behavioral disorders; may not prescribe medications

psychology - the science of mind and behavior

psychopharmacologist - a psychiatrist who specializes in the study of the effect of drugs on the mind and behavior

psychopharmacology - the study of the effect of drugs on the mind and behavior

psychotherapy - a psychological approach, opposed to physical, in the treatment of mental disorders and psychological problems

psychotherapeutic drug - substance that alters mood

Quetiapine - an Antipsychotic drug prescribed for psychotic disorders; brand names include Seroquel

racing thoughts - a symptom of mania in which the individual experiences swiftly changing and uncontrollable ideas

rapid cycling - a serious episode in the cycles of Bipolar Disorder in which the individual quickly alters between symptoms of depression and mania sometimes within minutes

Restoril - see Temazepam

Rhotrimine - see Trimipramine

Risperdal - see Risperidone

Risperidone - an Antipsychotic drug prescribed for psychotic disorders; brand names include Risperdal

Rivotril - see Clonazepam

SAD - see Seasonal Affective Disorder

Schizoaffective - a mental disorder which is characterized by symptoms of both Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder; it cannot be diagnosed as one or the other of these disorders

Schizophrenia - a severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, incoherence and physical agitation; it is classified as a "thought" disorder while Bipolar Disorder is a "mood" disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder - recurrent fall or winter depression

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor - a class of drugs which work by preventing the movement of the neurohormone Serotonin into nerve endings thus forcing the Serotonin to remain actively working

self-medicate - the use of any drug, whether conscious or otherwise, to make oneself feel better; this would include alcohol, nicotine and caffeine

Serax - see Oxazepam

Serentil - see Mesordiazine

Seroquel - see Quetiapine

Sertraline - an SSRI antidepressant prescribed primarily for depression; brand names include Zoloft

Serzone - see Nefazodone

side effect - any condition caused by a drug other than the effect for which it was prescribed

Sinequan - see Doxepin Hydrochloride

Social Security Disability Insurance - a federal program in which individuals with qualifying disabilities can receive supplemental income as well as medical treatment

SSDI - see Social Security Disability Insurance

SSRI - see Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Stelazine - see Trifluoperazine

suicidal ideation - giving serious thought to suicide without making specific plans

suicide - taking one's own life

Surmontil - see Trimipramine

Symmetrel - see Amantadine

tachycardia- fast heartbeat

Tardive Dyskensia - a central nervous system disorder characterized by involuntary movement and twitching of the face muscles; a serious side effect of prolonged use of antipsychotic drugs

TD - see Tardive Dyskensia

Tegretol - see Carbamazepine

Temazepam - a Benzodiazepine sedative prescribed primarily for insomnia; brand names include Restoril

teratogen, teratogenic - causes birth defects

therapist - a person trained in methods of treatment other than the use of drugs and surgery

Thiordazine - a Phenothiazine Antipsychotic prescribed for psychotic disorders and depression with anxiety; brand names include Mellaril

Thiothixene - an Antipsychotic prescribe for psychotic disorders; brand names include Navane

Thorazine - see Chlorpremazine

tinnitus - ringing in the ears

Tofranil - see Imipramine

T-Quil - see Diazepam

tranquilizer - any drug or substance that calms a person

Tranylcypromine - a non-hydrazine reversible MAO inhibitor indicated for the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe depression; brand names include Parnate

Trazodone - an Antidepressant prescribed for depression, anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia and aggression; often prescribed to counteract sleep-disruptive effects of other medications; brand names include Desyrel; (links for Trazodone)

Triazolam - benzodiazapene sedative; brand names include Halcion

tricyclic antidepressant - older antidepressants which inhibit reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. In addition, they interfere with the metabolism of other compounds in the central nervous system, the amines

Trifluoperazine - antianxiety, antiemetic and antipsychotic drug, prescribed to control anxiety and manage the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder; brand names include Stelazine

Trihexyphenidyl - antiparkinsonian drug, prescribed also for the prevention or control of extrapyramidal disorders caused by other medications; brand names include Artane

Trilafon - see Perphenazine

Trimipramine - a Tricyclic Antidepressant prescribed primarily for depression; brand names include Surmontil

Triptil - see Protriptyline

unipolar disorder - recurrent depression

Valium - see Diazepam

Valproate - see Valproic Acid

Valproic Acid - anticonvulsive drug prescribed for control of the manic phase of Bipolar Disorder; brand names include Depakene, Valproate

Valrelease - see Diazepam

Venlafaxine - a phenethylamine bicyclic derivative, chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic or other available antidepressant agents; brand names include Effexor

Verapamil - antihypertensive, antianginal, antiarrhythmic drug, prescribed for, among other conditions, the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension; brand names include Calan, Isoptin

Vivactil - see Protriptyline

voluntary commitment - submitting oneself by personal choice to hospitalization

Wellbutrin - see Bupropion

Xanax - see Alprazolam

Zetran - see Diazepam

Zoloft - see Sertraline

Zolpidem - a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia; brand names include Ambien

Zonalon - see Doxepin Hydrochloride

Zopiclone - a short-acting hypnotic agent, prescribed for the short-term management of insomnia characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakenings and/or early morning awakening; brand names include Imovane

Zyban - see Bupropion

Zyprexa - see Olanzapine